Meaning: This quote by Nicholas Mosley, a renowned novelist, delves into the complex and paradoxical nature of poetry and art. The quote challenges the notion of absolute interpretation and meaning, drawing parallels between a poem and an ink blot. Mosley suggests that labeling a poem as absolute is essentially meaningless, as it fails to acknowledge the subjective and interpretive nature of art. Instead, he argues that just as an ink blot can be absolute in its physical form, the meaning and significance attributed to it are entirely relative and dependent on the observer.

Mosley's comparison between a poem and an ink blot is a thought-provoking metaphor that invites reflection on the fluidity of meaning in art. On the surface, an ink blot appears to be a static and absolute object, much like a poem is a fixed arrangement of words. However, the inherent ambiguity and open-endedness of both the ink blot and the poem allow for an infinite range of interpretations and personal connections. This idea challenges the traditional view of art as a concrete expression of an artist's intention and instead highlights the active role of the audience in shaping the meaning of a creative work.

The notion that a poem is absolute is dismissed by Mosley as "saying nothing," emphasizing the futility of seeking definitive and universal meaning in art. This stance aligns with the postmodernist perspective that rejects the idea of fixed truths and embraces the multiplicity of interpretations. By asserting that individuals "put into [a poem] what [they] like," Mosley underscores the subjective and personal nature of artistic experience. Each reader brings their own emotions, experiences, and perspectives to the act of interpreting a poem, thereby shaping its meaning in a way that is entirely relative to their unique vantage point.

Furthermore, Mosley's assertion that a poem becomes "totally relative" reinforces the idea that the significance of art is inherently contingent upon the individual's subjective engagement with it. This perspective aligns with the concept of reader-response theory, which emphasizes the active role of the reader in constructing meaning from a text. According to this theory, a poem's meaning is not predetermined or fixed, but rather emerges through the dynamic interaction between the text and the reader's interpretive framework.

In essence, Mosley's quote challenges the idea of absolute meaning in art and underscores the fluid, subjective, and relative nature of interpretation. It invites us to embrace the diversity of perspectives and meanings that can emerge from a single poem, highlighting the richness and complexity of artistic experience. By acknowledging the role of the audience in shaping the meaning of a poem, Mosley's quote encourages a more open and inclusive approach to engaging with art, one that celebrates the multiplicity of voices and interpretations that contribute to the richness of artistic expression.