Meaning: The quote "Till now poets were privileged to insert a certain proportion of nonsense - very far in excess of one-half of one per cent - into their otherwise sober documents" by John Ransom carries a significant and thought-provoking message about the role of poetry and literature. John Crowe Ransom was an American poet, essayist, and editor who was associated with the Southern Agrarians, a group of writers who sought to preserve traditional Southern culture and values.

In this quote, Ransom seems to be commenting on the traditional freedom that poets have enjoyed in injecting a certain amount of nonsensical or whimsical elements into their works. He suggests that poets have been allowed to incorporate a significant proportion of nonsense into their otherwise serious or meaningful writings. This observation can be interpreted in several ways, shedding light on the nature of poetry, the role of creativity, and the evolving expectations of literary works.

One interpretation of Ransom's quote is that he is highlighting the unique license that poets have to blend rationality with irrationality, seriousness with playfulness, and logic with nonsense. Poetry, as an art form, has often been celebrated for its ability to transcend the constraints of conventional language and express emotions, ideas, and experiences in unconventional ways. Ransom's observation about the "certain proportion of nonsense" suggests that poets have been allowed to subvert traditional linguistic and logical norms to create works that are rich in both meaning and ambiguity.

Furthermore, Ransom's quote could be seen as a commentary on the evolving standards of literature and the tension between rationality and irrationality in artistic expression. In many literary traditions, there has been a longstanding debate about the balance between reason and imagination, clarity and obscurity, sense and nonsense. Ransom's assertion that poets were "privileged" to include a significant amount of nonsense may reflect a broader societal acceptance of artistic license and the appreciation of creative experimentation in literature.

Moreover, Ransom's quote may also speak to the shifting expectations of audiences and readers. Throughout history, the reception of poetry and literature has been influenced by cultural, social, and intellectual trends. Ransom's observation about the allowance of "nonsense" in poetry suggests that there has been an understanding or tolerance for the inclusion of enigmatic, nonsensical, or surreal elements in literary works. This raises questions about the role of ambiguity, symbolism, and unconventional language in engaging and challenging readers' interpretations.

In conclusion, John Ransom's quote about poets' privilege to include a certain proportion of nonsense in their works offers a thought-provoking reflection on the nature of poetry, the evolving standards of literature, and the interplay between reason and imagination. It invites readers to contemplate the creative freedoms enjoyed by poets, the societal attitudes towards artistic expression, and the enduring allure of nonsensical elements in literature. Ransom's observation continues to resonate as a reminder of the enduring capacity of poetry to defy conventions, evoke emotions, and inspire contemplation.