"The end of poetry is not to create a physical condition which shall give pleasure to the mind... The end of poetry is not an after-effect, not a pleasurable memory of itself, but an immediate, constant and even unpleasant insistence upon itself"

Laura Riding's quote on poetry presents a view that obstacles standard understandings of poetic purpose. Usually, numerous approach poetry anticipating a sensory or psychological experience that delights or uplifts the mind, akin to other forms of art. Riding, nevertheless, presumes a more requiring function for poetry, one that goes beyond the mere creation of pleasurable experiences or consequences.

When she states, "The end of poetry is not to develop a physical condition which shall provide satisfaction to the mind", Riding suggests that poetry is not simply an escapist or entertainment tool. It does not intend to simply invoke a gratifying emotional or intellectual action that leaves the reader with a warm radiance or a sticking around, pleasant memory. Rather, she argues that the essence of poetry lies in an "immediate, constant and even unpleasant persistence upon itself". This suggests that poetry must not be easily absorbable or immediately gratifying.

The idea of poetry's "unpleasant insistence upon itself" can be analyzed as poetry's possible to challenge, provoke, or interrupt the reader. It suggests that poetry ought to constantly confront the reader with its presence and concepts, declining to recede into the background of the mind as a passive or purely enjoyable experience. This relentless quality may be disturbing, as it demands active engagement, reflection, and often pain. In this manner, Riding highlights poetry's power as a transformative tool; it prompts readers to face its complexity, prompting deeper consideration and, maybe, individual or intellectual development.

In essence, Riding champs a view of poetry as an assertive, unyielding force that plays a crucial function in engaging the psyche. Instead of assisting in short-term pleasure, poetry, in her view, ought to provoke an enduring confrontation with ideas and emotions, urging the reader to constantly engage and re-engage with the text.