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The actual world, not some fantastic structure that has nothing to do with reality, must provide the material for modern poetry.
Muriel Rukeyser
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Modern poetry should be rooted in real experiences and truths from the actual world.

Muriel Rukeyser emphasizes that poetry should be inspired by genuine aspects of reality rather than whimsical or fantastical ideas that have no connection to the truths of life. This perspective underscores the importance of authentic human experiences and emotions as the foundation for artistic expression.

Themes

PoetryRealityArtExpressionTruth

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be used in a lecture about the significance of authenticity in literature.

More from Muriel Rukeyser

The universe is made of stories, not of atoms.
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A work of art is one through which the consciousness of the artist is able to give its emotions to anyone who is prepared to receive them.
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Always our wars have been our confessions of weakness
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