"The pure work implies the disappearance of the poet as speaker, who hands over to the words"
- Stephane Mallarme
About this Quote
This quote by Stephane Mallarme speaks with the idea of the poet as a conduit for the words, instead of the source of them. He recommends that the poet needs to be a passive individual in the imaginative process, permitting the words to handle a life of their own. The poet should not be the one to enforce their own concepts or analyses on the words, but instead need to enable the words to promote themselves. This idea of the poet as a passive individual in the creative process is a concept that has actually been explored by lots of poets throughout history. Mallarme's quote suggests that the poet needs to be willing to let go of their own ego and enable the words to take on a life of their own. By doing so, the poet can create something that is really distinct and effective.
"I was married to Margaret Joan Howe in 1940. Although not a scientist herself she has contributed more to my work than anyone else by providing a peaceful and happy home"