The point of poetry is to be acutely discomforting, to prod and provoke, to poke us in the eye, to punch us in the nose, to knock us off our feet, to take our breath away.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Poetry should challenge and disturb readers deeply.
- In plain terms
- Poetry aims to shock, provoke, and upset the reader.
- What can you take from it?
- Great art provokes and disturbs.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does this poem disturb you?
- What do you feel?
Another view
Some poetry seeks comfort rather than provocation.
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