Age Quote by Rita Dove
“I was apprehensive. I feared every time I talked about poetry, it would be filtered through the lens of race, sex, and age.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Poetry and Identity, 2020
The speaker worries that discussions of poetry will be reduced to identity categories, limiting artistic appreciation.
In simple terms: Fear of being judged by race, sex, or age.
Key Takeaway
Seek authentic expression beyond labels.
Themes
identity
art
vulnerability
Mood
anxious
reflective
Type
personal
philosophical
When to use this quote
- literary workshops
- public readings
- academic conferences
Key Concepts
intersectionality
creative freedom
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you discuss poetry without invoking identity?
- What benefits arise from acknowledging identity?
A Different Perspective
Identity can also enrich, not just limit, interpretation.
![“[My father] was more than apprehensive. He didn't think I stood a chance in hell. He had no confidence in me whatsoever and was convinced that I was going to be coming to him for money when I was 40. We argued about it constantly.” quote by George Michael](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b00/george-michael-1332_apprehensive_my-father-was-more-than-apprehensive-he_637146.jpg)
