Question

What does Lowell admit about his own poetry in "A Fable for Critics"?

A) Lowell admits that his poetry is perfect and flawless.
B) Lowell admits that his poetry is obscure and difficult to understand.
C) Lowell admits that his poetry is filled with clichés and lacks originality.
D) Lowell admits that his poetry is often mediocre and flawed.

Answer 1

Lowell admits in 'A Fable for Critics' that his poetry can be mediocre and flawed, showing a tradition of poets seriously reflecting on the art of poetry and the process of revision.

Step-by-step explanation:

In A Fable for Critics, Lowell admits that his own poetry can be mediocre and flawed. He does not inflate his ego but rather acknowledges the imperfections present in his work. This self-critical perspective can be seen within the tradition of poets who reflect seriously on their craft like Wordsworth, Pound, and William Carlos Williams, emphasizing the importance of careful revision and rejecting an overly spontaneous overflow of emotion without contemplation. Lowell's admission aligns with the understanding that poetry is both an art and a disciplined craft, and that the true merit of poetry often comes from the rigorous process of revision and self-critique.