Now between the meanings of words and their sounds there…
“Now between the meanings of words and their sounds there is ordinarily no discoverable relation except one of accident; and it is therefore miraculous, to the mystic, when words which make sense can also make a uniform objective structure of accents and rhymes.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Words and sounds usually lack intentional connection; it feels miraculous when they align in meaning and rhythm.
In simple terms: Sounds rarely match meanings; rare when they do.
Key Takeaway
Notice and appreciate unexpected harmony.
Themes
language
poetry
miracle
Mood
wonder
contemplative
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- literary analysis
- songwriting
- branding
- teaching language
Key Concepts
phonetics
semiotics
aesthetic harmony
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this affect your perception of poetry?
- Can you create intentional sound‑meaning links?
A Different Perspective
Alignment may be coincidental, not reliable for systematic use.