Attention Quote by Matthew Zapruder
![“[My poems] of course, it's symbolic, in the way that things in a poem can be - that is, pointing to something beyond its mere ordinary meaning, while also retaining all the qualities of that ordinary meaning. In other words, it's a bear, but it's also suggesting something else, just by virtue of…” quote by Matthew Zapruder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0c5/matthew-zapruder-12762_attention_my-poems-of-course-it-s-symbolic-in-the_995918.jpg)
“[My poems] of course, it's symbolic, in the way that things in a poem can be - that is, pointing to something beyond its mere ordinary meaning, while also retaining all the qualities of that ordinary meaning. In other words, it's a bear, but it's also suggesting something else, just by virtue of the attention to it. But it's not "symbolic" in that way we are taught to think about things in poems.”
About This Quote
Source Poetry: Unspecified collection, Matthew Zapruder, unknown date
Symbolism can simultaneously convey ordinary meaning and hint at deeper significance through attentive focus.
In simple terms: Symbolic language holds both surface and hidden meaning.
Key Takeaway
Notice layers in language.
Themes
poetry
symbolism
interpretation
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
literary
educational
When to use this quote
- reading poetry
- analyzing lyrics
- teaching literature
Key Concepts
literary theory
semiotics
cognitive perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance literal and symbolic reading?
- When does symbolism become distraction?
A Different Perspective
Symbolism may be over‑explained, limiting personal insight.
![“I went to a mosque in Philadelphia with [my wife] in December 24, 1999. And we we went to this mosque in Philly, and I just had such a strong reaction to the prayer. And I was really emotionally - I felt really grounded at that time. And so to be in this prayer and the imam is doing the prayer in…” quote by Mahershala Ali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d31/mahershala-ali-6687_attention_i-went-to-a-mosque-in-philadelphia-with_3083.jpg)
