“So when people say that poetry is a luxury, or an option, or for the educated middle classes, or that it shouldn’t be read at school because it is irrelevant, or any of the strange and stupid things that are said about poetry and its place in our lives, I suspect that the people doing the saying have had things pretty easy. A tough life needs tough language–and that is what poetry is. That is what literature offers–a language powerful enough to say how it is.
It isn’t a hiding place. It is a finding place.”
— Jeanette Winterson, WHY BE HAPPY WHEN YOU CAN BE NORMAL? (with gratitude for Valerie Geary for sharing this quote with me)
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First my comment showed twice, and now not at all… when all I meant to say is this:
I am put off by this sentence: “I suspect that the people doing the saying have had things pretty easy.” What defines an “easy” life? And whose to say those with “easy” lives can’t also find something to love in poetry? Sorry Jeanette, but you’ve just added to the “strange and stupid things that are said about poetry.” Though of course I agree with the hiding place/finding place part.
It seemed to me as though she was only referring to those who would belittle poetry, not everyone with easy lives in general. It’s true, I’d imagine, that there’s no such thing as an easy life (but certainly some people have it harder than others), which emphasizes why EVERYONE needs poetry and beauty.
I see this as Faith does. What I love about poetry is its ability to use a limited number of words with such power. A reader must be changed (ideally, that is!).
I loved this quote! I think it applies to so many of the arts, as well. I know a soldier who says playing Bach on his violin was the only thing that kept him sane in Vietnam.
Loved this quote — and the whole book. Happy summer, Caroline!!
“A tough life needs tough language–and that’s what poetry is.” I love this sentence. It shows the true heart of what poetry is.