"When critics are waiting to pounce upon poetic style on exactly the same grounds as if it were prose, the poets tremble"

This quote by John C. Ransom speaks to the trouble of writing poetry in a world where critics fast to judge and slam. It suggests that poets are often frightened by the possibility of having their work judged harshly by critics who are applying the exact same requirements to their poetry as they would to prose. This indicates that the requirements for poetry are often greater than those for prose, which poets are anticipated to comply with a specific level of quality and workmanship. The quote likewise suggests that poets are often fearful of the criticism they may receive, which they are reluctant to take threats or try out their writing. Eventually, this quote talks to the problem of composing poetry in a world where critics fast to judge and slam, and where poets are expected to abide by a specific level of quality and workmanship.