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It is part of the poet's work to show each man what he sees but does not know he sees.
Edith Sitwell
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The poet's role is to reveal deeper truths that people overlook in their daily lives.

This quote by Edith Sitwell emphasizes the poet's unique ability to illuminate the unnoticed aspects of life, inviting readers to see the world from fresh perspectives. By bringing attention to what individuals see but remain unaware of, poets help deepen our understanding and appreciation of our surroundings and experiences.

Themes

PoetPerceptionRevelationTruthCreativity

In practice

Example use cases

In a literary discussion about the role of poetry in society.

More from Edith Sitwell

Still falls the rain - dark as the world of man, black as our loss - blind as the nineteen hundred and forty nails upon the Cross.
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My personal hobbies are reading, listening to music, and silence.
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The public will believe anything, so long as it is not founded on truth.
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Poetry is the deification of reality.
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As for the usefulness of poetry, its uses are many. It is the deification of reality.
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Rhythm is one of the principal translators between dream and reality.
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