A poet, qua poet, has only one political duty, namely, in his own writing to set an example of the correct use of his mother tongue, which is always … - W. H. Auden

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A poet, qua poet, has only one political duty, namely, in his own writing to set an example of the correct use of his mother tongue, which is always being corrupted. When words lose their meaning, physical force takes over.

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About W. H. Auden

Wystan Hugh Auden (21 February 1907 – 29 September 1973) was an Anglo-American poet known for his vast poetic work in many forms on many themes.

Biography information from Wikiquote

Also Known As

Native Name: Wystan Hugh Auden
Alternative Names: Wystan Auden Wystan H Auden W. H. Wystan Hugh Auden
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When words lose their meaning, physical force takes over.

from an essay for Writers by Nancy Crampton

Additional quotes by W. H. Auden

The desires of the heart are as crooked as corkscrews
Not to be born is the best for man
The second best is a formal order
The dance's pattern, dance while you can.
Dance, dance, for the figure is easy
The tune is catching and will not stop
Dance till the stars come down from the rafters
Dance, dance, dance till you drop.

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