Meaning: The quote "All that a critic, as critic, can give poets is the deadly encouragement that never ceases to remind them of how heavy their inheritance is" by Harold Bloom reflects the complex relationship between poets and their critics. Harold Bloom, a prominent literary critic and scholar, delves into the role of the critic and the impact of their feedback on poets. This quote encapsulates the idea that critics primarily offer a form of encouragement that simultaneously serves as a reminder of the weight of tradition and influence on the poets' work.

Harold Bloom was known for his influential contributions to literary criticism, particularly in the realm of poetic analysis. As a critic, he often engaged with the works of renowned poets and provided insightful interpretations and assessments. In this quote, Bloom sheds light on the dynamic between poets and their critics, emphasizing the nuanced nature of the feedback and support that critics provide.

The phrase "deadly encouragement" is particularly intriguing, as it suggests that the encouragement poets receive from critics is not always gentle or uplifting. Instead, it serves as a constant reminder of the immense burden that comes with the poetic tradition. Poets are not merely creating in isolation; they are part of a lineage of literary figures who have shaped the art form over centuries. This inheritance can be seen as both a source of inspiration and a weighty responsibility, and critics play a significant role in ensuring that poets are aware of this duality.

Furthermore, the quote underscores the idea that critics have a limited capacity to influence poets directly. While their feedback and analysis can offer guidance and evaluation, it does not fundamentally alter the poet's creative process. Critics can illuminate the historical and cultural context within which poets operate, but they cannot dictate the direction of the poets' work. Instead, they can only provide a form of encouragement that acknowledges the enduring legacy of poetic traditions.

The notion of "how heavy their inheritance is" speaks to the profound influence of past poets on contemporary writers. Poets are tasked with shouldering the weight of literary history, drawing from and responding to the works of their predecessors. This inheritance encompasses not only the literary canon but also the broader cultural, social, and artistic legacies that shape the poetic landscape. Critics, in acknowledging this weight, serve as a constant reminder to poets of the magnitude of their creative undertaking.

In essence, Harold Bloom's quote delves into the intricate relationship between critics and poets, highlighting the paradoxical nature of the encouragement offered by critics. While critics aim to inspire and motivate poets, their encouragement is intertwined with a sobering reminder of the profound traditions and legacies that poets inherit. This quote encapsulates the enduring tension between tradition and innovation in poetry and underscores the complex role of critics in shaping the creative landscape.