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William Empson Quotes

Literary critic

William Empson was a British literary critic born on September 27, 1906, and died on April 15, 1984. His work is known for its unique literary analysis and profound philosophical insights.

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All Men Poetry Seems Analysis Art Boys Cold Different Difficult Ends Has Beens Impossible Literature Long People Poet Reading Reason Regard Sitting

Famous William Empson Quotes

“Thus a poetical word is a thing conceived in itself and includes all its meanings; a prosaic word is flat and useful and might have been used differently.”

Poetry Prosaic

Book:Seven Types of Ambiguity

Source: Seven Types of Ambiguity

“The machinations of ambiguity are among the very roots of poetry.”

Art Poetry Roots Ambiguity

Book:Seven Types of Ambiguity

Source: Seven Types of Ambiguity

“I'm afraid I take ... this rather clinical view of love: it's saving you from madness. I'm not so enthusiastic as other poets have been.”

Has Beens Poetry Literature Views Poet Madness Saving Enthusiastic Clinicals

Book:The Complete Poems

Source: The Complete Poems

About the Author

Born: September 27, 1906
Died: April 15, 1984
Known for: Literary critic
Quotes: 26

Books & Sources

The Complete PoemsRelated source material

Seven Types of AmbiguityRelated source material

Collected PoemsRelated source material

Some Versions of PastoralRelated source material

The royal beasts and other worksRelated source material

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