It is a happy thing that there is no royal road to poetry. The world should know by this time that one cannot reach Parnassus except by flying thither.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Poetry requires intense effort and cannot be achieved through easy shortcuts.
- In plain terms
- You cannot learn poetry easily; you must strive hard for it.
- What can you take from it?
- Mastery in poetry demands hard work.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What skill requires relentless effort?
- Where do you seek shortcuts?
Another view
It might discourage those seeking quick results.
More from Gerard Manley Hopkins
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