Absurd Quote by Randall Jarrell
“Poetry is a bad medium for philosophy. Everything in the philosophical poem has to satisfy irreconcilable requirements: for instance, the last demand that we should make of philosophy (that it be interesting) is the first we make of a poem; the philosophical poet has an elevated and methodical, but forlorn and absurd air as he works away at his flying tank, his sewing-machine that also plays the piano.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Art of Poetry", 1953
Philosophical poems struggle because they must be both intellectually stimulating and poetically appealing, a demanding combination that often feels contradictory.
In simple terms: Philosophical poems try to be both deep and beautiful, which is hard.
Key Takeaway
Accept the tension between ideas and art.
Themes
poetry
philosophy
artistic tension
creativity
literary criticism
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing poetry
- academic analysis
- creative workshops
Key Concepts
irreconcilable demands
elevated tone
absurdity
methodical approach
Questions to Reflect On
- Can a poem be both profoundly philosophical and aesthetically pleasing?
- What compromises are acceptable in philosophical poetry?
A Different Perspective
The dual demand may limit poetic expression.
![“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)
