Famous quote by Robert Graves

"Never use the word 'audience.' The very idea of a public, unless the poet is writing for money, seems wrong to me. Poets don't have an 'audience'. They're talking to a single person all the time"

About this Quote

Robert Graves' quote uses an extensive perspective on the intimate nature of poetry. By warning against the use of the term "audience", Graves recommends that poetry is not a performance for the masses, but rather an individual and direct kind of interaction. The referral to composing "for cash" introduces the concept that industrial motives can distort the pureness of poetic expression. When monetary gain becomes a priority, the poet might pander to public tastes, sacrificing credibility and the depth of personal connection that poetry can use.

Tomb' assertion that poets are "speaking to a single person all the time" emphasizes the intimate relationship in between poet and reader. This concept posits that poetry transcends general observation and rather creates a dialogue with the person. In this sense, each poem ends up being a conversation between the poet and each reader who experiences the work, allowing for personal analysis and emotional resonance. The experience of checking out poetry, then, is naturally subjective, offering special meanings to various readers based upon their individual experiences and point of views.

The quote likewise raises concerns about the nature of literary development and reception. It suggests that poetry is less about external recognition and more about the internal drive of the poet to communicate their ideas and feelings to another person. The act of composing poetry, under Graves' view, is a singular endeavor targeted at touching the soul of a specific, not catching the applause of a more comprehensive audience.

By framing poetry as a conversation with one instead of an efficiency for many, Graves raises the genuineness and individual connection fundamental in the art type. This viewpoint invites readers to approach poetry with the expectation of a deeply personal connection, transforming the reading experience into an introspective and significant journey.

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About the Author

Ireland Flag This quote is from Robert Graves between July 26, 1895 and December 7, 1985. He/she was a famous Novelist from Ireland. The author also have 14 other quotes.
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