Meaning: This quote by Mark Van Doren, an American poet and literary critic, offers an insightful perspective on the role of a poet and the distinction between the portrayal of the world and the expression of feelings. In essence, Van Doren suggests that the primary duty of a poet is to accurately capture and convey the world as it is, devoid of personal bias or sentimental embellishments. The quote implies that while poets observe and report the world, they do so without directly discussing their own emotions, leaving that task to sentimental individuals.

Van Doren's assertion that "The job of the poet is to render the world - to see it and report it without loss, without perversion" underscores the poet's responsibility to present an unadulterated representation of the world. This aligns with the traditional notion of poetry as a form of artistic expression that seeks to illuminate and reflect the human experience. By emphasizing the importance of rendering the world faithfully, Van Doren highlights the poet's role as a keen observer and interpreter of reality.

The statement "No poet ever talks about feelings. Only sentimental people do" draws a clear distinction between the poet's approach to their subject matter and the sentimentality often associated with personal emotions. Van Doren appears to caution against the indulgence of sentimentality in poetry, suggesting that genuine poetic expression involves more than simply conveying one's feelings. Instead, he seems to advocate for a more objective and disciplined approach to the craft of poetry.

It is worth noting that Van Doren's stance on the role of the poet and the avoidance of directly addressing feelings in poetry might be seen as a reflection of the broader modernist movement in literature. Modernist poets often sought to break away from sentimentality and romanticism, favoring a more detached and objective treatment of their subjects. This rejection of sentimentality aimed to strip away the excesses of emotion and instead focus on a more precise and unadorned portrayal of reality.

While Van Doren's perspective offers valuable insights into the nature of poetry, it is important to acknowledge that his views represent a particular approach to the art form. Poetry, like all forms of artistic expression, encompasses a wide range of styles and philosophies. Many poets throughout history have explored and celebrated the expression of personal emotions, using their craft to delve into the complexities of human experience.

In conclusion, Mark Van Doren's quote encapsulates a particular viewpoint on the role of the poet and the relationship between the portrayal of the world and the expression of feelings. By emphasizing the poet's duty to render the world faithfully and by distinguishing between poetic observation and sentimental expression, Van Doren offers a thought-provoking perspective on the nature of poetry. While his perspective may not encompass the full spectrum of poetic expression, it does shed light on the tension between objective observation and personal sentiment in the art of poetry.