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About this quote

What does it mean?
Ford sought true greatness directly in the heart through actions and suffering of great minds, not through ornate metaphors.
In plain terms
He looked for deep meaning in human experience, not fancy language.
What can you take from it?
Seek substance in lived experience rather than decorative words.

Where it applies

  • literary analysis
  • creative writing

Putting it to work

  • write from experience
  • focus on human stories

Questions to consider

  • What makes a poem sublime?
  • How to balance depth and accessibility?

Another view

Heavy focus on suffering may overlook lighter aspects of life.

More from John (dramatist) Ford

  1. We can drink till all look blue.

    Permalink to quote #31
  2. Ford is rather a sculptor of character than a painter.

    Permalink to quote #33
  3. Let them fear bondage who are slaves to fear; The sweetest freedom is an honest heart.

    Permalink to quote #30

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