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About this quote

What does it mean?
The quote distinguishes poetic value from knowledge or faith, placing it in imagination.
In plain terms
It argues that poetry permeates daily life as a unique form of worth.
What can you take from it?
Imagination offers a distinct type of value.

Where it applies

  • reading poetry
  • creative work
  • daily life

Putting it to work

  • value imagination
  • seek creative expression

Questions to consider

  • Is imagination more valuable than fact?
  • How does art enrich life?

Another view

It devalues knowledge and faith in favor of art.

More from Wallace Stevens

  1. The operation of the imagination in life is more significant than its operation in or in relation to works of art... in life what is important is the truth as …

    Permalink to quote #187
  2. The imagination is the power that enables us to perceive the normal in the abnormal, the opposite of chaos in chaos.

    Permalink to quote #189
  3. For the poet, the imagination is paramount, and . . . he dwells apart in his imagination, as the philosopher dwells in his reason, and as the priest dwells in …

    Permalink to quote #186

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