Question

Here is an excerpt from Marianne Moore's "Poetry" in which Moore expresses her dislike for poorly written poems What does Moore mean when she says " imaginary gardens with real toads in them" in this excerpt?

Answer 1

Marianne Moore uses the phrase "imaginary gardens with real toads in them" to convey the idea that poetry should combine imaginative constructs with genuine truths to be impactful.

Step-by-step explanation:

Marianne Moore's phrase "imaginary gardens with real toads in them" encapsulates her view on the essence of good poetry. In Moore's perspective, poetry should blend imagination with reality; it should provide an imaginative space - the garden - where real and tangible truths - the toads - exist and are acknowledged. The garden represents the creative freedom and the construct of poetry, while the toad reflects the grounding in genuine feelings, experiences, or truths that give weight and significance to the creative endeavor. Her poetical gardens are scenes conjured by words, and within these scenes lurk 'real toads' or real insights about the world and the human condition. This juxtaposition of the fantastical and the real underscores Moore's appreciation for work that balances poetic innovation with authenticity and precision.