Audience Quote by Rita Dove
“I never think of my audience when I write a poem. I try to write out of whatever is haunting me; in order for a poem to feel authentic, I have to feel I'm treading on very dangerous ground, which can mean that the resulting revelations may prove hurtful to other people. The time for thinking about that kind of guilt or any collective sense of responsibility, however, occurs much later in the creative process, after the poem is finished.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Poetry and Creative Process, Rita Dove, 2015
The poet prioritizes personal authenticity over audience expectations, confronting risky inner material first, then later considering the impact on others.
In simple terms: Write honestly first, worry about impact later.
Key Takeaway
Embrace raw truth before editing for audience.
Themes
authenticity
creative risk
responsibility
Mood
introspective
serious
reflective
Type
artistic
philosophical
process‑oriented
When to use this quote
- writing poetry
- artistic development
- public reception
- post‑creation review
Key Concepts
self‑expression
ethical reflection
Questions to Reflect On
- How does confronting danger shape your work?
- When should you consider audience impact?
A Different Perspective
Neglecting audience early may alienate readers or cause unintended harm.
