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About this quote

What does it mean?
Waugh suggests that poetry is not about abstract ideas but rather the specific way those ideas are expressed.
In plain terms
Poetry isn't about the ideas themselves, but how you say them.
What can you take from it?
Expression matters more than the underlying idea in poetry.

Where it applies

  • writing poetry
  • critiquing art
  • literary analysis

Putting it to work

  • focus on wording
  • value style
  • practice expression

Questions to consider

  • Can a poem exist without a clear idea?
  • Is style more important than substance?

Another view

This view downplays the importance of the actual content or message in poetry.

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