Books Quote by W. H. Auden
“One demands two things of a poem. Firstly, it must be a well-made verbal object that does honor to the language in which it is written. Secondly, it must say something significant about a reality common to us all, but perceived from a unique perspective. What the poet says has never been said before, but, once he has said it, his readers recognize its validity for themselves.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Function of Poetry, 1939, Literary Journal
Poetry must be skillful and reveal a universal truth from a fresh viewpoint.
In simple terms: Poems need craft and new insight.
Key Takeaway
Create art that teaches and astonishes.
Themes
art
truth
originality
Mood
introspective
analytical
Type
literary
inspirational
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- education
- public speaking
Key Concepts
aesthetics
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- What unique perspective can you offer?
- How does craft affect meaning?
A Different Perspective
Subjectivity may limit universal acceptance.
