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About this quote

What does it mean?
Structure can be restrictive yet also a challenge to overcome creatively.
In plain terms
Rules constrain like a straitjacket but can be escaped skillfully.
What can you take from it?
Constraints can define and challenge art.

Where it applies

  • artistic creation
  • problem solving
  • writing

Putting it to work

  • use constraints
  • break rules
  • master form

Questions to consider

  • What rules limit your work?
  • How can you escape them?

Another view

Some forms stifle rather than inspire creativity.

More from Paul Muldoon

  1. If the poem has no obvious destination, there's a chance that we'll be all setting off on an interesting ride.

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  2. 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 …

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  3. Words want to find chimes with each other, things want to connect.

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