Quote by John Ashbery

There is the view that poetry should improve your life. I think people confuse it with the Salvation Army.

There is the view that poetry should improve your life. I th

Summary

This quote suggests that some people mistakenly believe that poetry exists to bring about positive changes in one's life, similar to the way the Salvation Army aims to improve the lives of individuals. However, the speaker disagrees with this view, implying that the primary purpose of poetry is often misunderstood. The quote highlights the misconceptions people may have about the true nature and purpose of poetry, potentially emphasizing that its value lies in different aspects such as artistic expression, emotional connection, or thought-provoking insights, rather than solely seeking personal improvement.

Topics

Poetry

By John Ashbery

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