Meaning: This quote by Salvatore Quasimodo, an Italian poet and Nobel Prize in Literature laureate, delves into the idea that the emergence of a poet poses a challenge to the established cultural order. It highlights the disruptive nature of a poet's work as they seek to transcend existing literary hierarchies and make a profound impact on the cultural landscape.

The quote begins with the assertion that the alarms are sounded as the poet has expected. This suggests that the poet anticipates and is aware of the resistance and pushback that their work will provoke within the existing cultural and literary framework. The use of the word "alarms" conveys a sense of warning and apprehension, indicating that the emergence of a poet is perceived as a disruptive force that unsettles the established order.

Quasimodo further emphasizes that the birth of a poet is inherently threatening to the existing cultural order. This threat arises from the poet's endeavor to break through the circle of literary castes and reach the center. Here, the "center" can be interpreted as the core or essence of cultural and artistic expression, representing a position of influence and significance within the cultural hierarchy. By striving to reach the center, the poet challenges the established power structures and conventions within the literary world.

The notion of literary castes alludes to the stratification and hierarchy that exist within the realm of literature. It implies the presence of exclusive circles or social classes within the literary community, where certain voices and perspectives are privileged while others are marginalized. The poet's attempt to break through these barriers disrupts the status quo and challenges the entrenched norms of literary elitism.

Quasimodo's quote encapsulates the idea that poets, through their creative endeavors, seek to transcend the limitations imposed by the existing cultural order. Their work embodies a spirit of rebellion and innovation, striving to dismantle barriers and broaden the scope of artistic expression. By defying literary castes and aspiring to reach the center, poets aspire to redefine and reshape the cultural landscape, thereby posing a direct challenge to the established order.

In essence, this quote sheds light on the subversive and transformative power of poetry. It underscores the poet's role as a catalyst for change, capable of disrupting the prevailing cultural order and instigating a reevaluation of entrenched norms. Through their words and artistic vision, poets confront the status quo and endeavor to carve out a space that transcends the limitations of existing literary hierarchies.

This perspective aligns with the broader historical and cultural context in which poets have often been at the forefront of social and artistic movements, challenging prevailing ideologies and reshaping the cultural narrative. The quote serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring significance of poetry as a force that challenges, provokes, and ultimately reshapes the cultural and literary landscape.