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About this quote

What does it mean?
The poem describes a mysterious figure in dark attire, suggesting that revealing too little can be more alluring to a lover than revealing everything.
In plain terms
Keeping some things hidden can make you more interesting.
What can you take from it?
Mystery can deepen connection more than total openness.

Where it applies

  • romance
  • poetry
  • personal relationships

Putting it to work

  • value mystery
  • use imagery in expression

Questions to consider

  • What draws you to someone?
  • Is secrecy healthy in love?

Another view

Withholding too much can also lead to misunderstanding.

More from Wallace Stevens

  1. A few things for themselves, Florida, venereal soil, Disclose to the lover.

    Permalink to quote #56
  2. Gloomy grammarians in golden gowns, Meekly you keep the mortal rendezvous, Eliciting the still sustaining pomps Of speech which are like music so profound They…

    Permalink to quote #58
  3. It was evening all afternoon. It was snowing And it was going to snow. The blackbird sat In the cedar-limbs.

    Permalink to quote #55

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