For what is a poem but a hazardous attempt at self-understanding: it is the deepest part of autobiography.
About Robert Penn Warren
Robert Penn Warrenwas an American poet, novelist, and literary critic and was one of the founders of New Criticism. He was also a charter member of the Fellowship of Southern Writers.
More quotes from Robert Penn Warren
For what is a poem but a hazardous attempt at self-understanding: it is the deepest part of autobiography.
American poet, novelist, and literary critic (1905-1989)
The urge to write poetry is like having an itch. When the itch becomes annoying enough, you scratch it.
American poet, novelist, and literary critic (1905-1989)
How do poems grow? They grow out of your life.
American poet, novelist, and literary critic (1905-1989)
I’ve been to a lot of places and done a lot of things, but writing was always first. It’s a kind of pain I can’t do without.
American poet, novelist, and literary critic (1905-1989)
The poem is a little myth of man’s capacity of making life meaningful. And in the end, the poem is not a thing we see-it is, rather, a light by which we may see-and what we see is life.
American poet, novelist, and literary critic (1905-1989)
Poets, we know, are terribly sensitive people, and in my observation one of the things they are most sensitive about is money.
American poet, novelist, and literary critic (1905-1989)
I don’t expect you’ll hear me writing any poems to the greater glory of Ronald and Nancy Reagan.
American poet, novelist, and literary critic (1905-1989)