This quote discusses a significant shift in poetry that occurred around the time of T.S. Eliot and Ezra Pound, who were key figures in modernist literature. The speaker suggests that this revolution in poetic form was initially seen as groundbreaking but may later be viewed as minor or just technical maneuvers rather than profound changes.
The deeper meaning of the quote touches on how historical events and cultural shifts can be perceived differently over time. Initially, revolutionary movements often seem like monumental transformations, altering perceptions and practices dramatically. However, with the passage of time, these same innovations might appear less significant, blending into a continuum of artistic development rather than standing out as unique turning points. This perspective implies that what is hailed as revolutionary in one era can lose its luster or be reinterpreted by later generations who may see it differently due to their own contexts and understandings.
Howard Nemerov was an American poet known for his work spanning the mid-20th century through the 1980s. His writing often explored philosophical themes, the human condition, and the relationship between art and society. As a critic and essayist as well, he had profound insights into literature and its evolution over time, which is reflected in this quote that critiques how we perceive revolutionary changes in artistic movements like modern poetry.
