[VictoriaGaile]

Interesting topic...

It seems from skimming through the various posts that it is not just "understand" that can have a variety of meanings, but also "appreciate".

I can both appreciate, and understand, a poem on any of many levels. The better the poem, the more levels are in play, on both counts.

I can appreciate the sounds and rhythms of a poem I don't understand, in the same way that I can appreciate the sounds of choral music when I can't make out all the words, or when the words are in a different language. Even though the primary function of a word is to convey meaning, I don't think that precludes one from using the other characteristics of a word in order to create art. I think that is a legitimate form of poetry, a sort of sound sculpture, with just enough use of the word meanings to hold them all in place together.

If the sounds are compelling enough, my lack of understanding may not bother me. If they are not, or if it appears that the poem is *supposed* to be using the meanings of the words at least as much as the sounds, then I may be frustrated enough by my lack of understanding that it blocks any appreciation on other levels.


Victoria Gaile