Welcome!

Hello! Welcome to my blog which features quotes from classic and contemporary literary works and authors. Each week will feature a new quote along with reflections on its relevance in today’s society. The quotes will include a variety of topics ranging from the serious to the humorous. It is my hope to celebrate literature by showing its timeless quality to inspire, heal, and provoke the soul and mind. I welcome and appreciate any comments or reflections of your own.

I thought it would be appropriate for my first post to feature the quote which inspired the title of my blog, A Speaking Picture…

“Poesy therefore is an art of imitation…a speaking picture-with this end, to teach and delight”
Sir Philip Sidney
The Defense of Poesy

Although written in 1579, this statement defending the relevance of poetry and prose still holds true today. Poesy (Sidney’s term for poetry and prose) not only provides us with charismatic characters and exciting plots, but it also teaches us about ourselves. By experiencing the trials and challenges that the characters face on their journeys, we in turn are able to learn from the experiences of these characters. Literature is neither a lecture nor is it a real life failure that we must experience. Through stories, we can learn from these fictional experiences and characters while at the same time delighting in the adventure. We may never be the grand hero found in the epics, but the virtues they embody can inspire us to strive to be something better than we were before we turned that first page.

What character has inspired you the most?

Do you agree with Sidney’s idea that the imagination is a beneficial tool for promoting moral virtue?

I would love to hear everyone’s comments regarding Sidney’s quote or my post. Since I asked the question, it seems only fair that I tell you my answer as well!

One character that has given me inspiration in recent times is Eowyn from Tolkien’s the Lord of the Rings. She is a character who suffers a great deal of turmoil both emotionally and physically. She remains guarded through much of the series, fearing the companionship of others because of her own insecurities. Many of her weaknesses and insecurities I saw in myself when reading the book. At the end of the book when Eowyn finally allows herself to be known to those who love her, she finally finds peace with her own character and identity. Eowyn’s ability to conquer her inner demons showed me the importance of finding peace with yourself and with others, and her example helped me to do the same.

Thank you for reading my post and have a wonderful day!

--Carrie Goertz