Skip to content

Aim Quote by Austin Farrer

“...the best figurative poetry speaks not to the frivolous intellect, but (if anything does) straight to the heart; and does it better than plain prose. There seems then to be something which is better said with metaphor than without, which goes straighter to its mark by going crooked, and hits its…” quote by Austin Farrer
Download Open image
“...the best figurative poetry speaks not to the frivolous intellect, but (if anything does) straight to the heart; and does it better than plain prose. There seems then to be something which is better said with metaphor than without, which goes straighter to its mark by going crooked, and hits its aim exactly by flying off at tangents.”

Austin Farrer

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Role of Metaphor in Poetry, 1950s

Metaphor reaches the heart more directly than literal language, making poetry more impactful.

In simple terms: Metaphors speak to emotions better than plain words.

Key Takeaway

Use metaphor to convey deep feelings.

Themes

poetry metaphor emotion language communication art

Mood

reflective introspective inspirational

Type

literary philosophical educational

When to use this quote

  • writing workshops
  • literary analysis
  • creative therapy
  • public speaking

Key Concepts

symbolic thinking cognitive resonance literary technique

Questions to Reflect On

  • When does metaphor clarify versus confuse?
  • How can we balance clarity and creativity?
A Different Perspective

Metaphors can be misunderstood if too obscure.

2.2 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Austin Farrer

Explore all 13 Austin Farrer quotes

More Aim quotes

Browse all 3,047 Aim quotes