"Writing poetry makes you intensely conscious of how words sound, both aloud and inside the head of the reader. You learn the weight of words and how they sound to the ear"

Helen Dunmore's quote on the craft of composing poetry encapsulates the profound sensitivity that poets should cultivate towards the noise and weight of words. By specifying that poetry makes one "intensely conscious" of how words noise, Dunmore highlights the essential role of acoustic elements in the poetic type. The sound of words, whether checked out aloud or internally within the mind of the reader, forms the psychological and aesthetic experience of a poem. Unlike prose, poetry often leverages rhyme, rhythm, alliteration, and assonance to evoke feelings and create images, successfully using noise as a tool to go beyond simple linguistic meaning.

The expression "weight of words" suggests that every word in poetry brings substantial significance; it must hold its own area and contribute meaningfully to the piece. In poetry, where brevity is crucial, and accuracy paramount, the selection of each word is an intentional act. This consideration belongs to picking the ideal notes in a piece of music-- they must harmonize to convey the intended feeling and message. Comprehending the "weight" indicates recognizing the psychological, cultural, and contextual subtleties that words bring with them, acknowledging that synonyms are not always interchangeable when the layers of sound, context, and meaning are thought about.

In addition, "how they sound to the ear" highlights the performative aspect of poetry. The acoustic experience of a poem can affect its interpretation and emotional impact. The rhythms and stops briefly within a poem can simulate natural speech, music, and even silence, impacting how a reader connects with the text. This focus on auditory experience beckons poets to pay meticulous attention to the acoustic dimension, ensuring that their work resonates both on the page and in oral recitation.

In essence, Dunmore's quote delves into the poet's double duty: to not just construct significance through words however likewise to orchestrate the sonorous qualities of language that stir the reader's emotions and creativity. Through this intimate engagement with the noise and weight of words, poets can elevate language from merely a mode of communication to an art kind that deeply moves the soul.