I read this from Seamus Heaney last night and it seemed relevant to this conversation:
"It is a tension to which all artists are susceptible, just as the children of temperamentally opposed parents are susceptible. The child in this case is the poet, and the parents are called Art And Life. Both Art and Life have had a hand in the formation of the poet, and both are to be loved, honored, and obeyed. Yet both are often perceived to be in conflict and that conflict is constantly and sympathetically suffered by the poet. He or she begins to feel that a choice between the two, a once-and-for-all option, would simplify things. Deep down, of course, there is the sure awareness that no simple solution or dissolution is possible, but the waking mind desires constantly some clarified allegiance, without complication or ambivalence."
I agree with Rick that the conflict is ultimately fruitful.
|