Oxford Lectures on Poetry

The book delves into the role of the poet in modern society, arguing against retreating into simpler, past ideals to escape contemporary challenges. It emphasizes that true poetry must engage with the complexities and harsh realities of life, suggesting that great poems can emerge from the "common and painful" aspects of existence. The author contends that while realism involves selection and interpretation, the essence of poetry lies in transforming raw experiences into a unified expression of beauty, which can encompass pain and horror while still providing satisfaction.