Meaning: This quote by John Crowe Ransom touches on the connection between the meanings of words and their sounds, as well as the mysterious nature of language and its ability to create cohesive and harmonious structures. Ransom was an American poet, essayist, and critic associated with the Fugitives and the Southern Agrarians literary movements of the early 20th century. His work often explored the complexities of language and its expressive potential.

Ransom's observation that there is typically no discernible relationship between the meanings of words and their sounds, except by accident, reflects the arbitrariness of language. In linguistic theory, this concept is known as the arbitrariness of the sign, a fundamental principle that suggests that the connection between a linguistic form (such as a word) and its meaning is arbitrary and based on convention rather than inherent logic or natural association.

This idea stands in contrast to onomatopoeia, where a word’s sound is directly imitative of the sound it represents, such as "buzz" or "hiss." Ransom's statement implies that such direct connections between sound and meaning are the exception rather than the rule in language.

However, Ransom goes on to highlight the mystical aspect of language when he refers to the miraculous nature of words that not only make sense but also form a cohesive structure of accents and rhymes. This suggests that when language transcends its arbitrary nature and aligns with a specific pattern of sounds and rhythms, it can evoke a sense of wonder and awe. This sentiment speaks to the power of poetry and the artistry of language, where words can create a unified aesthetic experience that goes beyond their individual meanings.

In the context of poetry, the interplay between meaning and sound is of particular significance. Poets often harness the musicality of language through techniques such as meter, rhyme, and alliteration to create a harmonious and evocative auditory experience. The alignment of meaning and sound in poetry represents a kind of synthesis, where the semantic content of the words is intricately woven with their sonic qualities to produce a multi-layered effect on the reader or listener.

Ransom's perspective on the relationship between meaning and sound in language also resonates with broader discussions about the nature of communication and the limits of linguistic expression. While language serves as a vital tool for conveying meaning and understanding the world, it is also a complex and enigmatic system that encompasses a wide range of cultural, historical, and aesthetic dimensions.

Ultimately, Ransom's quote invites contemplation on the intricate interplay between the meanings of words and their sounds, as well as the transcendent potential of language when it transcends its arbitrary origins to create a unified and resonant structure. In doing so, it offers a glimpse into the profound and ineffable qualities of language that continue to captivate and inspire both writers and readers alike.