Quote by E. M. Forster
A poem is true if it hangs together. Information points to something else. A poem points to nothing but itself.
Summary
This quote suggests that the essence of a poem lies in its ability to cohesively connect its various elements, thus creating a sense of truth and authenticity. In contrast, the purpose of information is to direct attention towards something external to itself. A poem, on the other hand, tends to exist solely for its own sake, having no ulterior motive or objective outside its own existence. It implies that the power of a poem lies in its self-contained nature, solely focused on expressing its own inherent beauty and meaning.