Meaning: Stephane Mallarme, a French poet and critic, is known for his influential work in the Symbolist movement of the late 19th century. His quote, "The pure work implies the disappearance of the poet as speaker, who hands over to the words,” reflects his perspective on the role of the poet and the autonomy of the written word. This quote encapsulates Mallarme's belief in the power of language and the idea that the poet should relinquish control to the words themselves in order to create a pure and impactful work of art.

Mallarme's emphasis on the "disappearance of the poet as speaker" suggests a departure from the traditional notion of poetry as a direct expression of the poet's emotions and experiences. Instead, he advocates for a more objective and autonomous form of poetry, where the poet's individual identity and subjective voice are subsumed by the words themselves. This concept challenges the romanticized image of the poet as a passionate and expressive figure, and instead highlights the importance of the words and their ability to stand on their own.

By "handing over to the words," Mallarme suggests that the poet should cede control and allow the language to take precedence. This relinquishment of authorial dominance is a crucial aspect of Mallarme's vision of the pure work. It implies a level of trust in the inherent power of language to convey meaning and evoke emotions without the need for overt authorial intervention. In essence, the poet becomes a conduit through which the words flow, rather than the primary source of meaning and expression.

Mallarme's quote also speaks to the idea of poetry as a self-sufficient and self-referential art form. By removing the poet as the central figure and allowing the words to speak for themselves, the work achieves a sense of autonomy and independence. This aligns with the Symbolist movement's rejection of direct representation and its focus on symbolism, suggestion, and the inner workings of the human mind and spirit. In this context, the pure work of poetry becomes a vessel for exploring the complexities of language and the deeper, often ineffable aspects of human experience.

Furthermore, Mallarme's concept of the pure work has implications for the reader as well. By prioritizing the words over the poet, the work invites readers to engage directly with the language and interpret the meaning for themselves. The absence of a dominant authorial voice allows for a more open and participatory reading experience, where the reader is free to explore and interpret the text without being constrained by the poet's presence.

In conclusion, Stephane Mallarme's quote encapsulates his belief in the autonomy of language and the imperative for the poet to relinquish control to the words in order to create a pure work of art. This concept challenges traditional notions of authorship and reader interpretation, emphasizing the power of language and the self-sufficiency of the written word. Mallarme's ideas continue to influence the study and practice of poetry, contributing to ongoing discussions about the relationship between poets, their works, and the enduring power of language.