Auden said poetry makes nothing happen. But I wonder if the opposite could be true. It could make something happen.
Carol Ann DuffyRead
The moment of inspiration can come from memory, or language, or the imagination, or experience - anything that makes an impression forcibly enough for language to form.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Inspiration can stem from various sources that leave a strong impression on us, providing the foundation for creative expression.
Carol Ann Duffy emphasizes that inspiration is a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by our memories, language, imagination, and experiences. It suggests that anything capable of making a significant impression can trigger the creative process, enabling us to articulate our thoughts and feelings through language.
Themes
InspirationCreativityMemoryLanguageImaginationExperienceImpression
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech for aspiring writers, a speaker could use this quote to illustrate the myriad sources of creativity.
More from Carol Ann Duffy
All quotes βYou have me like a drawing, erased, coloured in, untitled, signed by your tongue.
Carol Ann DuffyRead
Poetry, above all is a series of intense moments Β its power is not in narrative. I'm not dealing with facts, I'm dealing_x000D_ with emotion.
Carol Ann DuffyRead
I have piles of poetry books in the bathroom, on the stairs, everywhere. The only way to write poetry is to read it.
Carol Ann DuffyRead
Poetry and prayer are very similar.
Carol Ann DuffyRead
I still have a feeling that I haven't written the best that I can write. I think all poets must feel this: that there is constantly something new to be discovered in the language. It's like a thrilling encounter, and you can find things.
Carol Ann DuffyRead
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