Capacity Quote by Robert Penn Warren
“The poem . . . is a little myth of man's capacity of making life meaningful. And in the end, the poem is not a thing we see-it is, rather, a light by which we may see-and what we see is life.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Poem and Meaning, 1965
Poetry serves as a mythic light illuminating life, not merely an object to observe.
In simple terms: Poems illuminate life’s meaning.
Use poetry to find deeper insight.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- literature classes
- personal reflection
- creative writing
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does a poem change your view of life?
- What light does poetry provide you?
Interpretation varies among readers.