When a sonnet is mediocre it is bad, for it should be sublime.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A mediocre sonnet fails because it aims for greatness but falls short, making it worse than simply not writing one.
- In plain terms
- If a poem tries to be great but is only average, it is a failure.
- What can you take from it?
- Strive for excellence in creative work or do not attempt it.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What is the point of trying if you cannot succeed?
- Is it better to not try than to fail?
Another view
Some average work can still have value or charm beyond pure sublimity.
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