Paul Valéry Explores 'Poetry and Abstract Thought'
Poet involved
What happened
In 1935, French poet Paul Valéry delivered a lecture exploring the intricate relationship between poetry and abstract thought. He likened the poet's creative process to that of a machine or architect, emphasizing the rigorous mental labor involved in crafting poetry. Valéry's reflections on the nature of artistic creation contributed to the understanding of poetry as a disciplined art form, influencing both literary criticism and the broader appreciation of poetry's intellectual dimensions.
Literary impact
In 'Poetry and Abstract Thought,' published in 1935, Paul Valéry defended the intellectual rigor of poetry against the emotional excesses of Romanticism. His arguments influenced the Objectivist movement and high formalist modernists, who sought to elevate poetry's status as a serious art form grounded in precision and clarity.
Source: Wikipedia
