Poetry like so many other things in life is complicated and easily misunderstood, similar to the poem titled “Poetry” by Marianne Moore. Through her unique way of writing, Moore uses imagery and personifications of literary devices to make readers wonder why she has come to “despise” (line 1) poetry. In particular, the choice of words leaves a lot of room to wonder exactly why he chose to write them this way. One of the main themes represented in this poem is conformity and whether or not it is something to follow. There are many ways one can convey oneself. Marianne Moore uses the speaker's “dislike” (line 1) for poetry to bring out the idea that society has dictated how poetry must follow a certain rigorous and rigid training. Poetry has always been written with a basic formula in mind. The poem should rhyme, it should have rhythm, there must be a certain number of symbols in each verse. Moore distances himself from this (idea) by saying “I don't like it either” (Line1). Commenting on how society has so much control over what we do. The idea that society does not allow change is augmented (cemented) with "there are things that are beyond all this" (Line 1) which encourages the writer (reader) to break the path, to be different from what is required . This idea is further carried forward by comparing what is important with what is not, “things are important” (Line 6) and “there are things that are beyond all this” (Line 1). She also added an ironic twist to the phrase “I don't like it too” (line 1) because her dislike of poetry did not stop her from continuing to complain about such a system in the form of something she doesn't like. The speaker is very blunt and tough in himself. ..... middle of paper ...... no one is willing to break the mold per se. (Line 8) Everyone would prefer to stick with their own ideas of safety and uniformity. This "place for the genuine" that Moore refers to in both versions of his poem is considered the setting of his poem. It is only here that there can be people who manage to tell the truth and remain faithful to the craft of writing poetry. The setting is a very specific “genuine place,” a place where people are judged for who they are rather than what they have done. This ideal context also causes the separation between those who are genuine and those who are believed not to occur. Works Cited Moore, Marianne. “Poetry” 1921. Approach to literature: reading + thinking + writing. Ed. Peter Schakel and Jack Ridl. 3rd ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin, 2013. 843-844. Press.