The ear disapproves but tolerates certain musical pieces; transfer them into the domain of our nose, and we will be forced to flee.
Jean CocteauRead
The worst tragedy for a poet is to be admired through being misunderstood.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A poet suffers when others admire their work without truly understanding it.
This quote by Jean Cocteau highlights the tragic irony faced by poets and artists when their creations are appreciated for superficial reasons rather than a deep understanding of their true intentions and meanings. The disconnect between the artist's vision and the audience's comprehension can be disheartening, as genuine appreciation involves a profound connection to the art itself rather than mere admiration.
Themes
PoetryUnderstandingAdmirationArtTragedy
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech at a literary event.
More from Jean Cocteau
All quotes βOne must be a living man and a posthumous artist.
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All good music resembles something. Good music stirs by its mysterious resemblance to the objects and feelings which motivated it.
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Nothing ever gets anywhere. The earth keeps turning round and gets nowhere. The moment is the only thing that counts.
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Listen carefully to first criticisms made of your work. Note just what it is about your work that critics don't like - then cultivate it. That's the only part of your work that's individual and worth keeping.
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Watch yourself all your life in a mirror and you'll see Death at work like bees in a glass hive.
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If writers just sit and talk about oppression, they are not going to do much writing.
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