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About this quote

What does it mean?
The author questions why comparisons between poetry and music ignore that words are signs while sounds are physical objects.
In plain terms
People comparing words and music forget that sounds exist as physical objects too.
What can you take from it?
Consider the physical nature of sound when analyzing art forms.

Where it applies

  • art criticism
  • music theory
  • literary analysis

Putting it to work

  • analyze sensory elements
  • study media theory

Questions to consider

  • How does sound function differently from language?
  • Is art just signs or physical too?

Another view

Not all art comparisons require such technical distinctions.

More from Franz Grillparzer

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  2. When mundane, lowly activities are at stake, too much insight is detrimental-far-sightedness errs in immediate concerns.

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  3. I'd wish the government took honest people into consideration, it shows enough consideration for scoundrels.

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