It is the characteristic of great poems that they will…
“It is the characteristic of great poems that they will yield of their sense in due proportion to the hasty and the deliberate reader. To the practical they will be common sense, and to the wise wisdom; as either the traveler may wet his lips, or an army may fill its water-casks at a full stream.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Great poems reveal meaning differently depending on the reader’s pace; quick readers get practical sense, careful readers discover deeper wisdom.
In simple terms: Poems change meaning with reading speed.
Key Takeaway
Read both quickly and slowly to grasp full depth.
Themes
literature
interpretation
wisdom
reading
poetry
Mood
contemplative
inquisitive
Type
analytical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- literature class
- personal reflection
- creative writing
- book club discussion
Key Concepts
phenomenology
subjectivity
contextual meaning
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your reading speed affect understanding?
- Do you prefer practical or profound insights?
A Different Perspective
A hurried read may miss subtle nuances; a slow read may overanalyze.