The poet:who is the legislator of generations and the moral instructor of the world.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Godwin elevates the poet to a role of moral and generational guidance.
- In plain terms
- Poets shape how future generations think and act.
- What can you take from it?
- Artists have a responsibility to guide society.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Do poets have this duty?
- How do they influence generations?
Another view
Not all poets aim to instruct morally.
More from William Godwin
As the true object of education is not to render the pupil the mere copy of his preceptor, it is rather to be rejoiced in, than lamented, that various reading …
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