Reading Knowledge and the Arts changed the way I think about poetry. Before, when I read poems in class, I would always try to figure out exactly what they meant, like there was one correct answer I had to find. If I didn’t understand it right away, I would feel confused or like I was doing it wrong. But this reading made me realize that poetry is not really about finding one meaning, but more about how it makes you feel and what you think about while reading it.
One idea that stood out to me is that instead of only asking what a poem means, we should also think about what it makes us feel and think. This made me understand that my personal reaction actually matters, and that there isn’t just one way to understand a poem. Two people can read the same poem and have completely different interpretations, and both can still be valid. I think this makes poetry more interesting, because it becomes more personal instead of something you just try to solve.
Another thing I found interesting is that poetry can express emotions and ideas that are hard to explain with normal words. Sometimes when I read a poem, I don’t fully understand it, but I still feel something from it, like a certain mood or emotion. Before, I thought that meant I didn’t understand it, but now I see that feeling something is actually part of understanding it.
In my opinion, this reading helped me feel less stressed about reading poetry. Instead of worrying about being right or wrong, I can focus more on my own thoughts and reactions.