"One thing that makes art different from life is that in art things have a shape... it allows us to fix our emotions on events at the moment they occur, it permits a union of heart and mind and tongue and tear"

Marilyn French's quote provides a poignant expedition into the unique world that art inhabits in relation to life. At its core, the declaration acknowledges the structured nature of art compared to the frequently disorderly and unpredictable flow of life. Art, by definition, includes the creation of types-- whether they are visual, literary, musical, or performative. These types provide a framework within which human feelings and experiences can be encapsulated and provided meaning.

The expression "things have a shape" signifies the purposeful company fundamental in creative expression. This is in stark contrast to life's inherent messiness. In life, events happen without a script or predictable pattern, typically leaving individuals grappling to find coherence. In art, however, experiences are distilled into narratives, compositions, or visual art that confer a sense of completeness and understanding. This enables art to act as a cathartic vessel, funneling raw human feeling into something tangible and comprehensible.

The quote further recommends that this structuring characteristic of art provides psychological clarity and immediacy, enabling individuals to "fix our feelings on events at the moment they take place". When individuals engage with art, whether creating or experiencing it, they can confront and process emotions in a concentrated manner. Art often brings increased awareness and reflection, offering a space where heart, mind, tongue, and tear assemble.

This union of heart and mind in the artistic procedure is what imbues art with its unique power. Art communicates intricate feelings that might be challenging to articulate otherwise. The "tongue and tear" signify both expression and compassionate understanding; art speaks with our inner feelings and invites a psychological reaction.

In summary, French's quote clarifies the transformative power of art. It permits us to check out and comprehend the complexity of our experiences and feelings, providing both a mirror and a map to navigate the human condition. Art ends up being a sanctuary for revealing and processing the lived experience, supplying order in the middle of turmoil and insight in the middle of uncertainty.