Actors Quote by Erica Jong
“Mediocre prose might be read as an escape, might be spoken on television by actors, or mouthed in movies. But mediocre poetry did not exist at all. If poetry wasn't good, it wasn't poetry. It was that simple.”
About This Quote
Mediocre prose can be tolerated, but mediocre poetry is considered non‑poetry; only quality qualifies as poetry.
In simple terms: Bad poetry isn’t poetry.
Key Takeaway
Aim for quality, not mediocrity.
Themes
literature
quality
artistic standards
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- literary criticism
- publishing decisions
Key Concepts
aesthetic judgment
creative hierarchy
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines “good” poetry?
- How do we judge artistic value?
A Different Perspective
Even so prose can be accepted; standards differ across mediums.
