"Art, whose honesty must work through artifice, cannot avoid cheating truth"

In this quote, Adrienne Rich is highlighting the complex relationship in between art and fact. She recommends that art, which is meant to be truthful and authentic, often counts on artifice or deception in order to convey its message successfully. This can be viewed as a type of "unfaithful" fact, as the artist is not providing reality as it is, but rather using innovative methods to control it. However, Rich likewise implies that this is a necessary element of art, as it allows for a much deeper understanding and connection with the reality. Ultimately, she is acknowledging the paradoxical nature of art and its ability to expose reality through making use of artifice.