Poetry is the art of creating imaginary gardens with real toads.
Marianne MooreRead
If technique is of no interest to a writer, I doubt that the writer is an artist.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A writer must value technique to truly be considered an artist.
This quote suggests that technique is a fundamental aspect of an artist's craft; if a writer disregards the importance of technique, it raises questions about their commitment to the artistry of writing. Moore implies that a true artist understands that mastery of their craft is essential to create meaningful and impactful work.
Themes
ArtWritingTechniqueArtist
In practice
Example use cases
In a workshop on creative writing, a teacher might use this quote to emphasize the importance of mastering writing techniques.
More from Marianne Moore
All quotes βNot till the poets among us can be "literalists of the imagination"-above insolence and triviality and can present for inspection, "imaginary gardens with real toads in them." shall we have it.
Marianne MooreRead
In a poem the excitement has to maintain itself. I am governed by the pull of the sentence as the pull of a fabric is governed by gravity.
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Originality is... a by-product of sincerity.
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It is quite cruel that a poet cannot wander through his regions of enchantment without having a critic, forever, like the old man of the sea, upon his back.
Marianne MooreRead
I see no reason for calling my work poetry except that there is no other category in which to put it.
Marianne MooreRead
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