Men are but children of a larger growth, Our appetites as apt to change as theirs, And full as craving too, and full as vain.
John DrydenRead
Rhyme is the rock on which thou art to wreck.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that relying too heavily on rhyme can lead to creative failure.
John Dryden's quote highlights the idea that an overemphasis on rhyme in poetry can constrain creativity and ultimately lead to a lack of authenticity in expression. It serves as a warning to artists to not let such technical constraints dictate their artistic vision, as doing so may lead to unoriginal or forced works.
Themes
RhymePoetryCreativityArtistic ExpressionAuthenticity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a workshop about creative writing to encourage writers to prioritize content over form.
More from John Dryden
All quotes βOf no distemper, of no blast he died, _x000D_ But fell like autumn fruit that mellow'd long: _x000D_ Even wonder'd at, because he dropp'd no sooner. _x000D_ Fate seem'd to wind him up for fourscore years; _x000D_ Yet freshly ran he on ten winters more; _x000D_ Till like a clock worn out with eating time, _x000D_ The wheels of weary life at last stood still.
John DrydenRead
Or hast thou known the world so long in vain?
John DrydenRead
Shame on the body for breaking down while the spirit perseveres.
John DrydenRead
Love reckons hours for months, and days for years; and every little absence is an age.
John DrydenRead
And write whatever Time shall bring to pass_x000D_ _x000D_ With pens of adamant on plates of brass.
John DrydenRead
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