The Well Wrought Urn
"The Well Wrought Urn" is a critical essay by Cleanth Brooks, published in 1947. It explores the relationship between form and meaning in poetry, arguing that the structure of a poem is essential to its interpretation. Brooks emphasizes that the unity of a poem is created through its imagery and language, which work together to convey deeper meanings.
In the essay, Brooks introduces the concept of the "paradox" in poetry, suggesting that apparent contradictions can enhance understanding. He uses examples from various poets, including John Keats and William Wordsworth, to illustrate how the interplay of form and content enriches the reader's experience.