I know this much, is all, “ Franny said. “ If you’re a…
““I know this much, is all, “ Franny said. “ If you’re a poet, you do something beautiful. I mean, you’re supposed to leave something beautiful after you get off the page and everything. The ones you’re talking about don’t leave a single, solitary thing beautiful. All that maybe the slightly better ones do is sort of get inside your head and leave something there, but just because they do, just because they know how to leave something, it doesn’t have to be a poem, for heaven’s sake. It may just be some king of terribly fascinating, syntaxy droppings—excuse the expression. Like Manlius and Esposito and all those poor men.” Lane took time to light a cigarette for himself before he said anything. “I thought you liked Manlius. As a matter of fact, about a month ago, if I remember correctly, you said he was darling, and that you—“ “I do like him. I’m sick of just liking people. I wish to God I could meet somebody I could respect…would you excuse me for just a minute?” Franny was suddenly on her feet, with her handbag in her hand. She was very pale.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Poetry should leave a lasting, beautiful imprint on the mind, not just formal structure.
In simple terms: Art should resonate deeply.
Key Takeaway
Seek depth over form.
Themes
art
poetry
beauty
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- literary criticism
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
aesthetics
creative expression
Questions to Reflect On
- What makes a piece of writing truly beautiful?
- How do you balance form and feeling?
A Different Perspective
Focusing solely on beauty may neglect technical mastery.