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One demands two things of a poem. Firstly, it must be a…

“One demands two things of a poem. Firstly, it must be a well-made verbal object that does honor to the language in which it is written. Secondly, it must say something significant about a reality common to us all, but perceived from a unique perspective. What the poet says has never been said…” quote by W. H. Auden
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“One demands two things of a poem. Firstly, it must be a well-made verbal object that does honor to the language in which it is written. Secondly, it must say something significant about a reality common to us all, but perceived from a unique perspective. What the poet says has never been said before, but, once he has said it, his readers recognize its validity for themselves.”

W. H. Auden

About This Quote

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

Poetry must be skillful and reveal a universal truth from a fresh viewpoint.

In simple terms: Poems need craft and new insight.

Key Takeaway

Create art that teaches and astonishes.

Themes

art truth originality

Mood

introspective analytical

Type

literary inspirational

When to use this quote

  • creative writing
  • education
  • public speaking

Key Concepts

aesthetics epistemology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What unique perspective can you offer?
  • How does craft affect meaning?
A Different Perspective

Subjectivity may limit universal acceptance.

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