Quotation by

Edward Dowden

For a poet to depict a poet in poetry is a hazardous experiment in regarding one's own trade a sense of humour and a little wholesome cynicism are not amiss.

Edward Dowden

Poetry

Understanding this quote AI Analysis

Edward Dowden warns that when poets write about other poets, they risk being overly serious or self-important, which can backfire. He suggests that adding humor and a bit of healthy skepticism helps make such portrayals more effective and honest.

More by this author

All quotes by Edward Dowden →

More quotes about Poetry

See all →

I write poetry in order to live more fully.

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

Poetry uses the hub of a torque converter for a jello mold.

Poetry asks people to have values, form opinions, care about some other part of experience besides making money and being successful on the job.

For there is a sound reasoning upon all flowers. For flowers are peculiarly the poetry of Christ.

I don't know a better preparation for life than a love of poetry and a good digestion.