Quotation by

Franz Grillparzer

Poetry, it is often said and loudly so, is life's true mirror. But a monkey looking into a work of literature looks in vain for Socrates.

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Understanding this quote AI Analysis

The quote suggests that poetry reflects life, but this reflection depends on the observer's ability to understand it. Just as a monkey cannot recognize a philosopher like Socrates in literature, not everyone can grasp the deeper truths poetry aims to reveal.

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He fertilizes a phrase or a line of poetry for weeks and then gives birth to it in a speech.

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