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About this quote

What does it mean?
A surreal scene where a dead shepherd creates powerful music, the sheep behave wildly, and children love them, scattering unique early flowers.
In plain terms
A dead shepherd's music sparks wild sheep and children's love, scattering unique flowers.
What can you take from it?
Creative forces can provoke unexpected, diverse reactions.

Where it applies

  • artistic inspiration
  • childhood play

Putting it to work

  • compose experimental music
  • encourage free play

Questions to consider

  • How do you react to unconventional art?
  • What does the 'dead shepherd' symbolize for you?

Another view

The imagery is cryptic, limiting clear interpretation.

More from Wallace Stevens

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  2. We reason of these things with later reason And we make of what we see, what we see clearly And have seen, a place dependent on ourselves.

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  3. It was enough for her that she remembered.

    Permalink to quote #152

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