Books Quote by Terry Eagleton
““A poem is a fictional, verbally inventive moral statement in which it is the author, rather than the printer or word processor, who decides where the lines should end. This dreary-sounding definition, unpoetic to a fault, may well turn out to be the best we can do.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Literary Theory: An Introduction, 1983
A poem is a crafted moral narrative where the author decides its structure, emphasizing creativity over mechanical definition.
In simple terms: Poetry is a creative moral story.
Key Takeaway
Value authorial intent and imagination.
Themes
creativity
poetry
authorial control
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- literature classes
- creative projects
Key Concepts
literary theory
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does authorial control shape meaning?
- What role does morality play in your favorite poems?
A Different Perspective
Rigid definitions can stifle poetic innovation.
