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About this quote

What does it mean?
A pure work requires the poet to disappear and let the words take the lead.
In plain terms
Good writing lets the words speak for themselves instead of the author.
What can you take from it?
Step back and let your words do the work.

Where it applies

  • editing drafts
  • revising text
  • teaching writing

Putting it to work

  • reduce authorial voice
  • focus on word choice

Questions to consider

  • When does the author show up too much?
  • Can words truly speak without a speaker?

Another view

Complete authorial absence is impossible in most art.

More from Stephane Mallarme

  1. L'acte poetique consiste a voir soudain qu'une idee se fractionne en un nombre de motifs egaux par valeur et a les grouper; ils riment.

    Permalink to quote #5
  2. Ce n'est pas avec des idees qu'on fait des vers, c'est avec des mots.

    Permalink to quote #7
  3. Le monde est fait pour aboutir a un beau livre.

    Permalink to quote #4

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