Meaning: The quote "When I work I am pure as an angel tiger and clear is my eye and hot my brain and silent all the whining grunting piglets of the appetites" by Marge Piercy encapsulates the intensity and focus that a creative person brings to their work. Marge Piercy, an American poet, novelist, and social activist, is known for her powerful and evocative writing that often explores themes of feminism, social justice, and the human experience.

In this quote, Piercy uses vivid and striking imagery to convey the state of mind she enters when she is fully immersed in her creative process. The comparison of herself to an "angel tiger" suggests a sense of purity and grace, as well as a fierce and unyielding determination. The clarity of her eye and the heat of her brain convey a sharp focus and intense mental activity, indicating a state of heightened awareness and concentration. Additionally, the reference to "whining grunting piglets of the appetites" suggests the distractions and temptations that may hinder one's creative flow, and Piercy's ability to silence these distractions while she works.

The metaphorical language used in the quote emphasizes the single-mindedness and passion that Piercy brings to her writing. The juxtaposition of the purity of an angel and the ferocity of a tiger highlights the complexity and depth of her creative energy. It also conveys the idea that creative work can be both transcendent and primal, requiring both spiritual and instinctual engagement.

Piercy's choice of words and imagery in this quote reflects the intense and immersive nature of the creative process. The use of animal imagery, such as the tiger and piglets, adds a visceral and almost primal quality to the description of her creative state. This serves to underscore the raw and instinctual aspects of the creative process, as well as the need to overcome distractions and temptations in order to achieve a state of pure focus and clarity.

The quote also speaks to the discipline and inner strength required to maintain this level of concentration and intensity while working. The ability to silence the distractions of the "whining grunting piglets of the appetites" suggests a deep sense of self-control and determination. It conveys the idea that creative work demands a certain level of mental and emotional fortitude, as well as the willingness to confront and overcome internal and external obstacles.

Overall, this quote by Marge Piercy offers a powerful insight into the mindset of a dedicated and passionate creative individual. It captures the intensity, focus, and determination that are necessary to fully engage in the creative process, as well as the ability to transcend distractions and immerse oneself in the act of creation. It serves as a testament to the depth of commitment and the transformative power of creative work.