Books Quote by Knut Hamsun
““The poet must always, in every instance, have the vibrant word... that by it's trenchancy can so wound my soul that it whimpers… One must know and recognize not merely the direct but the secret power of the word; one must be able to give one's writing unexpected effects. It must have a hectic, anguished vehemence, so that it rushes past like a gust of air, and it must have a latent, roistering tenderness so that it creeps and steals one's mind; it must be able to ring out like a sea-shanty in a tremendous hour, in the time of the tempest, and it must be able to sigh like one who, in tearful mood, sobs in his inmost heart.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Pan, 1894
Poetry demands vivid, powerful language that can both wound and soothe, combining intensity with hidden tenderness.
In simple terms: Poetry needs strong, surprising words.
Key Takeaway
Use bold language with subtle depth.
Themes
language
emotion
poetry
Mood
intense
reflective
Type
literary
inspirational
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- literary analysis
- creative journaling
Key Concepts
expressive intensity
latent tenderness
contrasting tones
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance forceful imagery with gentle nuance?
- What words make your emotions surge?
A Different Perspective
Overly intense diction can overwhelm readers.
![“I imagined I had discovered a new word. I rise up in bed and say, "It is not in the language; I have discovered it. 'Kuboa.' It has letters as a word has. By the benign God, Man you have discovered a word!... 'Kuboa' ... a word of profound import. [...] Some minutes pass over, and I wax nervous…” quote by Knut Hamsun](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bd0/knut-hamsun-1203_language_i-imagined-i-had-discovered-a-new-word-i_170312.jpg)
