Bears Quote by Philip Howard, 20th Earl of Arundel
“Ted Hughes has been appointed poet laureate to succeed Sir John Betjeman, which is a bit like appointing a grim young crow to replace a cuddly old teddy bear.”
About This Quote
Source Newspaper: The Times, 1955
Comparing a new poet laureate to a grim crow replacing a beloved teddy bear highlights the shift from comforting tradition to edgy modernity.
In simple terms: New poet feels starkly different from his gentle predecessor.
Embrace change while remembering past comforts.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- public events
- literary festivals
- media commentary
- education curricula
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What value does a disruptive artist bring to cultural heritage?
- How can institutions balance innovation with public expectation?
New voices may alienate audiences accustomed to familiar styles.