QuoteProject
The worst tragedy for a poet is to be admired through being misunderstood.
Jean Cocteau
ShareWTF𝕏

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

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
One must be a living man and a posthumous artist.
Jean CocteauRead
All good music resembles something. Good music stirs by its mysterious resemblance to the objects and feelings which motivated it.
Jean CocteauRead
Nothing ever gets anywhere. The earth keeps turning round and gets nowhere. The moment is the only thing that counts.
Jean CocteauRead
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.
Jean CocteauRead
Watch yourself all your life in a mirror and you'll see Death at work like bees in a glass hive.
Jean CocteauRead

Similar quotes

A poet's work is to name the unnamable, to point at frauds, to take sides, start arguments, shape the world, and stop it going to sleep.
Salman RushdieRead
I'm doing one of three things: I'm writing. I'm staring out the window. Or I'm writhing on the floor.
Thomas HarrisRead
Some of you been trying to write rhymes for years,_x000D_ _x000D_ But weak ideas irritate my ears._x000D_ _x000D_ Is this the best that you can make?_x000D_ _x000D_ Cause if not, and you got more...I'll wait.
RakimRead
What is the thing that Hollywood demands most? Sincerity. No place in the world will pay such a high price for this admirable trait
Hattie McdanielRead
To sing of Wars, of Captains, and of Kings/Of Cities founded, Common-wealths begun/For my mean Pen are too superior things.
Anne BradstreetRead
If writers just sit and talk about oppression, they are not going to do much writing.
V. S. NaipaulRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.