Pigeons on the grass alas. Pigeons on the grass alas. Short longer grass short longer longer shorter yellow grass. Pigeons large pigeons on the shorter longer yellow grass alas pigeons on the grass.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Stein repeats phrases about pigeons on grass to emphasize rhythm and perception over literal meaning.
- In plain terms
- She uses repeated words to show how language sounds rather than what it says.
- What can you take from it?
- Focus on the sound and flow of words instead of just their definition.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does repetition change your perception of simple words?
- What do you hear when you ignore the meaning?
Another view
The meaning is intentionally obscure and may not convey a clear message.
More from Gertrude Stein
Suppose no one asked a question, what would be the answer.
Permalink to quote #34 When this you see remember me.
Permalink to quote #36 Romance is everything.
Permalink to quote #33
Related quotes
It normally happens that if you put two words together, or two syllables together, one of them will attract more weight, more emphasis, than the other. In othe…
James FentonJames Fenton quote #11 Rap is poetry set to music. But to me it's like a jackhammer.
Bette MidlerBette Midler quote #11 They were regular in being gay, they learned little things that are things in being gay, they learned many little things that are things in being gay, they wer…
Gertrude SteinGertrude Stein quote #24