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About this quote

What does it mean?
Woody Allen jokes that listening to Wagner makes him want to invade Poland, implying the music provokes aggressive feelings.
In plain terms
He says Wagner’s music makes him want to invade Poland.
What can you take from it?
Music can evoke strong, even hostile emotions.

Where it applies

  • discussing music’s influence
  • analyzing nationalist sentiments

Putting it to work

  • using music in political propaganda
  • studying emotional triggers

Questions to consider

  • Does the music truly incite aggression?
  • How does context shape interpretation?

Another view

The comment is hyperbolic and likely humorous.

More from Richard Wagner

  1. Wagner has great moments but dull quarter hours - Rossini

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  2. Wagner's music is better than it sounds - Mark Twain

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  3. I hate this fast growing tendency to chain men to machines in big factories and deprive them of all joy in their efforts - the plan will lead to cheap men and …

    Permalink to quote #16

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