"The poet is in command of his fantasy, while it is exactly the mark of the neurotic that he is possessed by his fantasy"

Lionel Trilling's quote draws a sharp distinction between the role of fantasy in the life of a poet versus that in the life of a neurotic individual. This declaration reflects on how imagination and imagination can be utilized differently by different people, with differing repercussions.

When Trilling suggests that "the poet is in command of his dream", he stresses the poet's capability to wield creativity as a tool or instrument, intentionally and with intent. For a poet, dream is a canvas upon which creativity can easily stream, shaped by conscious thought and artistic intent. The poet maintains control over their creative faculties, assisting their dreams to construct meaning, convey feeling, or impart insight. This command signifies a proficiency over one's psychological landscapes, allowing expression through a disciplined yet imaginative framework. The poet utilizes dream to illuminate facts, explore human experience, or evoke the intangible, turning abstract believed into concrete art.

On the other hand, Trilling explains the neurotic individual as being "had by his fantasy". Here, fantasy takes control, frustrating the private rather than being directed by them. For the aberrant, fantasy can end up being a source of distress or confusion, blurring the lines between reality and creativity. Instead of functioning as a source of creative expression, fantasy becomes an uncontrollable force, interrupting daily life and contributing to mental chaos. This loss of control over one's psychological procedures highlights a battle within the self, where imagination runs widespread and promotes stress and anxiety, insecurity, or delusion.

In essence, Trilling's quote contrasts the beneficial role of dream in artistic production with its possibly detrimental impact when it ends up being overpowering. It highlights the importance of balance and control in utilizing creativity, assessing how the exact same mental capability, dream, can lead to vastly different results depending on one's ability to master it. This distinction welcomes reflection on the broader implications of how we engage with our inner worlds, shaping our truths and psychological well-being.