To feel greatly, and understand greatly, and express…
“To feel greatly, and understand greatly, and express greatly, the natural Beauty, is the sole business of poetry. The rest's diversion: those holy or noble sentiments, the intricate ideas, The love, lust, longing: reasons, but not the reason.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Poetry’s true purpose is to deeply feel, understand, and express natural beauty, not merely to discuss lofty ideas or emotions
In simple terms: Poetry should focus on deep feeling and natural beauty
Let poetry express profound feeling and beauty
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- literary analysis
- teaching poetry
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does focusing on beauty shape poetic expression?
- What role do abstract ideas play in poetry?
Some may argue poetry can also explore abstract ideas