Artifacts Quote by W. H. Auden
“A poem is a verbal artifact which must be as skillfully and solidly constructed as a table or a motorcycle.”
About This Quote
Source Poetry: Collected Poems, 1960
The poet asserts that a poem must be crafted with the same rigor and structural integrity as any engineered object, emphasizing technical mastery in poetry.
In simple terms: Poetry needs solid construction like any craft.
Key Takeaway
Treat poems as engineered works.
Themes
poetry craft
technical skill
artistic discipline
Mood
analytical
inspirational
Type
literary
educational
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- literary analysis
- teaching poetry
- editing
- design thinking
Key Concepts
Form
structure
precision
Questions to Reflect On
- How can structure enhance meaning?
- When is flexibility more important?
A Different Perspective
Emphasizing structure may limit emotional spontaneity.
