Meaning: This quote is from the essay "The Music of Poetry" by T.S. Eliot, a renowned poet, essayist, and literary critic. In this essay, Eliot explores the relationship between poetry and music, emphasizing the significance of verbal beauty and its impact on poetry meant for recitation. The quote highlights the challenge of effectively conveying beauty through language in the context of recited poetry.

Eliot's assertion about the difficulty of achieving verbal beauty in poetry for recitation underscores the intricate nature of language and its role in conveying aesthetic and emotional qualities. Poetry, as a literary form, relies heavily on the use of language to evoke imagery, emotions, and rhythm. When poetry is meant to be recited, the spoken word becomes a crucial vehicle for delivering the intended beauty and impact of the poem.

The notion of verbal beauty in poetry encompasses a range of elements, including diction, syntax, rhythm, and sound patterns. These linguistic components contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of the poem and influence how it is experienced by the audience. In the context of recitation, the challenge lies in ensuring that the verbal beauty of the poem is effectively communicated and resonates with the listeners.

Eliot's emphasis on making verbal beauty "tell" suggests that it is not enough for poetry to possess aesthetic qualities; it must also have the ability to convey meaning, emotion, and significance to the audience. The verbal beauty of a poem should not only be pleasing to the ear but should also serve as a vehicle for expressing the poet's intended message and eliciting a response from the listeners.

When poetry is recited, the oral delivery of the words becomes a critical factor in translating the verbal beauty of the poem into a tangible and meaningful experience for the audience. The rhythm, intonation, and emphasis applied to the spoken words play a pivotal role in capturing and conveying the poetic beauty inherent in the text.

Furthermore, the challenge of achieving verbal beauty in recited poetry extends to the nuances of language and the varied interpretations that listeners may bring to the experience. The beauty of language lies not only in its formal qualities but also in its capacity to evoke different emotions and associations for different individuals. Thus, the task of making verbal beauty "tell" requires a nuanced and skillful approach to the oral presentation of poetry.

In conclusion, T.S. Eliot's quote underscores the complexity and significance of verbal beauty in poetry meant for recitation. It highlights the challenges inherent in translating the aesthetic qualities of language into a compelling and meaningful spoken performance. Through his exploration of the relationship between poetry and music, Eliot prompts a deeper understanding of the intricate role of language in shaping the experience of recited poetry and the enduring impact of verbal beauty on the listener.