The Language Poets are writing only about language itself. The Ashbery poets are writing only about poetry itself. That seems to me a kind of dead end.

Summary

This quote suggests that focusing exclusively on language or poetry as the central subject matter of one's writing can lead to a creative limitation or a "dead end." The Language Poets are mentioned as a group who solely write about language, while the Ashbery poets are presented as those who solely write about poetry. The speaker implies that exploring other themes and subject matters beyond language and poetry is necessary for avoiding artistic stagnation or constriction. By emphasizing the need for broader content, the quote encourages a more diverse and expansive approach to writing.

Topics