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Poetry is that magic which consists in awakening…

“Poetry is that magic which consists in awakening sensations with the help of a combination of sounds ... that sorcery by which ideas are necessarily communicated to us, in a definite way, by words which nevertheless do not express them.” quote by John Banville
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“Poetry is that magic which consists in awakening sensations with the help of a combination of sounds ... that sorcery by which ideas are necessarily communicated to us, in a definite way, by words which nevertheless do not express them.”

John Banville

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Poetry works like a spell, using sound and rhythm to evoke feelings and convey ideas that words alone cannot fully express.

In simple terms: Poetry uses sound to bring ideas to life.

Key Takeaway

Listen to the music of language.

Themes

poetry language creativity

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

literary educational

When to use this quote

  • writing workshops
  • literary analysis
  • creative writing classes
  • reading groups

Key Concepts

aesthetic sensory perception communication

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does sound shape meaning in poetry?
  • Can poetry convey ideas that prose cannot?
A Different Perspective

Not all readers experience the intended sensations.

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