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About this quote

What does it mean?
An artist's country is their own self. Remaining true to oneself grants immortality against any external force.
In plain terms
An artist is true to themselves; this makes them immortal.
What can you take from it?
Stay true to yourself to achieve immortality.

Where it applies

  • artistic life
  • ethical choices
  • personal legacy

Putting it to work

  • honor self
  • remain authentic
  • reject external control

Questions to consider

  • What does it mean to be true to yourself?
  • What is your artist's country?

Another view

The claim of immortality is metaphorical.

More from E. E. Cummings

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  3. concerning this selfstyled world's greatest and most generous literary figure: who had just arrived in our nation's capitol, attired in half a GI uniform and r…

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