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        Pete Atkin >> Words >> Words and meanings
        
(Message started by: Jan on Today at 14:13)

Title: Words and meanings
Post by Jan on Today at 14:13

This quote has just appeared on one of my other email lists. I thought it might have some relevance here, particularly when music provides a third dimension, what do other MVs think?

The Use of Poetry and the Use of Criticism (1933)

T.S. Eliot

The chief use of the 'meaning' of a poem, in the ordinary sense, may
be (for here again I am speaking of some kinds of poetry and not all)
to satisfy one habit of the reader, to keep his mind diverted and
quiet, while the poem does it work upon him: much as the imaginary
burglar is always provided with a bit of nice meat for the house-dog.

Jan