Art Quote by W. H. Auden
“A poet feels the impulse to create a work of art when the passive awe provoked by an event is transformed into a desire to express that awe in a rite of worship.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: "The Shield of Achilles" (1939)
When awe from an event becomes a drive to honor it through art, the poet channels that feeling into a sacred act of creation.
In simple terms: Awe inspires artistic worship.
Key Takeaway
Channel awe into creative expression.
Themes
art
inspiration
spirituality
expression
worship
Mood
reverent
reflective
Type
creative
spiritual
When to use this quote
- writing poetry
- visual art
- music composition
- ceremonial performance
Key Concepts
Aesthetic experience
transcendence
ritual
Questions to Reflect On
- What moments have moved you to create?
- How can you honor awe without losing clarity?
A Different Perspective
May become self‑indulgent rather than communicative.
