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Art Quote by Ezra Pound

“Colloquial poetry is to the real art as the barber's wax dummy is to sculpture.” quote by Ezra Pound
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“Colloquial poetry is to the real art as the barber's wax dummy is to sculpture.”

Ezra Pound

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Cantos, Ezra Pound, 1949

Comparing superficial poetry to true art, likening it to a wax dummy versus a real sculpture.

In simple terms: Superficial poetry is like a fake model, not true art.

Key Takeaway

Seek depth, not surface.

Themes

art authenticity critique

Mood

reflective analytical

Type

literary critical

When to use this quote

  • evaluating poetry
  • art criticism
  • creative writing

Key Concepts

aesthetic value literary standards

Questions to Reflect On

  • What defines true art?
  • How do you assess depth in poetry?
A Different Perspective

Superficial works may still hold cultural value.

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