Epigram Quote by William Cowper
“An epigram is but a feeble thing - With straw in tail, stuck there by way of sting.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Task by William Cowper, 1785
A weak, flimsy idea is easily dismissed, like a straw‑tailed creature stuck by its own sting.
In simple terms: Feeble ideas are easily trapped and ineffective.
Key Takeaway
Strengthen ideas before relying on them.
Themes
creativity
criticism
literature
humor
Mood
reflective
lighthearted
skeptical
Type
literary
humorous
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- idea evaluation
- creative brainstorming
Key Concepts
metaphor
self‑deprecation
poetic critique
Questions to Reflect On
- What ideas in your work feel like 'straw in the tail'?
- How can you reinforce them?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on weak concepts can undermine projects.
