Even when poetry has a meaning, as it usually has, it may be inadvisable to draw it out... Perfect understanding will sometimes almost extinguish pleasure.

Summary

This quote suggests that while poetry often carries some meaning, it may not always be necessary or preferable to decipher it explicitly. The quote cautions against excessively dissecting and overanalyzing poetry, as it can diminish the sheer enjoyment derived from it. It implies that allowing space for ambiguity and personal interpretation within poetry can enhance the reader's pleasure by leaving room for imagination and subjective experiences instead of strict comprehension.

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