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 →Not 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.
Marianne MooreRead
Originality is... a by-product of sincerity.
Marianne MooreRead
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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