Books Quote by Randall Jarrell
“An author frequently chooses solemn or overwhelming subjects to write about; he is so impressed at writing about Life and Death that he does not notice that he is saying nothing of the slightest importance about either.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Art of Poetry”, 1965
Authors may focus on grand themes yet produce trivial content.
In simple terms: Grand themes can mask empty writing.
Key Takeaway
Seek depth over spectacle.
Themes
literature
meaning
depth
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- literary criticism
- teaching
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
superficiality
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- What makes a subject meaningful?
- How do you avoid emptiness?
A Different Perspective
Audience expectations may pressure depth.
![“Early in his life Mr. [Ezra] Pound met with strong, continued, and unintelligent opposition. If people keep opposing you when you are right, you think them fools; and after a time, right or wrong, you think them fools simply because they oppose you. Similarly, you write true things or good things…” quote by Randall Jarrell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5a7/randall-jarrell-3811_ends_early-in-his-life-mr-ezra-pound-met-with_359433.jpg)
