Ancient Quote by Anne Carson
“All myth is an enriched pattern, a two-faced proposition, allowing its operator to say one thing and mean another, to lead a double life. Hence the notion found early in ancient thought that all poets are liars. And from the true lies of poetry trickled out a question. What really connects words and things?”
About This Quote
Source Book: Autobiography of Red, Anne Carson, 1998
Poetry can conceal truth behind a dual meaning, prompting questions about the link between language and reality.
In simple terms: Poetry often says one thing while meaning another.
Key Takeaway
Question the hidden meanings in words.
Themes
poetry
truth
language
philosophy
Mood
thoughtful
introspective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- literary analysis
- creative writing
- critical thinking
Key Concepts
dual meaning
semantic ambiguity
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the “two‑faced proposition” reveal about poets?
- How do we discern truth in metaphor?
A Different Perspective
Poetry may mislead if taken literally.
![“[Northrop] Frye was concerned mostly with literary criticism, and myths interested him as structural elements in works of literature. He used the word myth to mean story, without attaching any connotation of truth or falsehood to it; but a myth is a story of a certain kind. The myths of a culture…” quote by Margaret Atwood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b2/margaret-atwood-40_books_northrop-frye-was-concerned-mostly-with_1619694.jpg)
