Meaning: The quote by Salvatore Quasimodo reflects on the impact of the first nuclear explosion on human civilization and poetic expression. Quasimodo, an Italian poet and Nobel laureate in literature, was deeply affected by the events of his time, including the devastation of World War II and the use of nuclear weapons. His quote delves into the idea that the interruption of continuity caused by the first nuclear explosion had profound implications for the poetic and artistic sensibilities of the age.

Quasimodo's reference to "continuity" being interrupted by the first nuclear explosion suggests a rupture in the fabric of human existence. The advent of nuclear weapons brought about a new and terrifying reality, one that shattered the perceived continuity of human progress and civilization. The destructive power of the nuclear explosion irreversibly altered the course of history, leading to a heightened awareness of the fragility and impermanence of human existence.

The phrase "formal sediment" in the quote implies a kind of residue or remnant of past traditions and artistic sensibilities. Quasimodo seems to suggest that the nuclear explosion disrupted the established forms and structures that connected humanity to a bygone era characterized by poetic decorum and a preoccupation with the sounds and rhythms of poetry. The formal sediment, in this context, represents the accumulated traditions and artistic conventions that were suddenly upended by the unprecedented and cataclysmic event of the nuclear explosion.

Quasimodo's contemplation on the "age of poetic decorum" evokes a sense of nostalgia for a time when poetic expression was characterized by a certain elegance, refinement, and adherence to established norms. The preoccupation with poetic sounds alludes to an era when the musicality and cadence of poetry held a central place in artistic creation. However, the disruption caused by the first nuclear explosion shattered the complacency of this poetic decorum and forced a reevaluation of artistic expression in the face of a new and uncertain reality.

The quote can be interpreted as a reflection on the profound impact of historical events on artistic sensibilities and creative expression. Quasimodo's perspective suggests that the rupture caused by the first nuclear explosion challenged artists and poets to grapple with the dissonance between the established traditions of the past and the chaotic, uncertain present. The disruption of continuity brought about by the nuclear explosion forced a reexamination of poetic forms and themes, compelling artists to confront the existential and moral dilemmas posed by the new age of nuclear power.

In conclusion, Salvatore Quasimodo's quote encapsulates the profound impact of the first nuclear explosion on the artistic and poetic consciousness of the era. It serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of historical events and their influence on creative expression. Quasimodo's contemplation invites us to consider how the rupture of continuity caused by monumental events can shape and redefine the artistic sensibilities of a generation, compelling artists to navigate the complexities of a changed world with renewed introspection and creativity.