The poet is a god, or, the young poet is a god. The old poet is a tramp.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Young poets feel godlike, but age reduces their status to that of a wanderer.
- In plain terms
- New poets seem divine until they grow old and less respected.
- What can you take from it?
- Status in art is often tied to youth.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does age affect your work?
- Is the poet's life fleeting?
Another view
Many artists gain stature and wisdom with age.
More from Wallace Stevens
Man is an eternal sophomore.
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Permalink to quote #214 To have nothing to say and to say it in a tragic manner is not the same thing as having something to say.
Permalink to quote #211
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