Meaning: Rita Dove, an American poet and essayist, in her quote, "I try to show what it is about language and music that enthralls because I think those are the two elements of poetry," encapsulates the essence of poetry and its relationship with language and music. This quote reflects Dove's deep understanding of the interplay between language, music, and poetry, and her efforts to convey the enthralling nature of these elements to her audience.

Language, as Dove suggests, is one of the fundamental components of poetry. It is through language that poets communicate their thoughts, emotions, and experiences to the readers. The choice of words, their arrangement, and the rhythm they create contribute to the aesthetic and emotional impact of a poem. Language provides poets with a medium to express their creativity and imagination, allowing them to craft verses that resonate with readers on a profound level.

Furthermore, Dove's emphasis on music as an essential element of poetry underscores the rhythmic and melodic qualities inherent in poetic expression. The musicality of language, achieved through techniques such as rhyme, meter, and assonance, adds a lyrical quality to poetry, enhancing its emotive power and aesthetic appeal. Like music, poetry has the ability to evoke strong emotions, create imagery, and convey meaning through the cadence and flow of its words.

Dove's quote also highlights the interconnectedness of language and music within the realm of poetry. Just as a musical composition relies on the harmonious arrangement of notes and rhythms, poetry draws upon the harmonious interplay of words and sounds to create a captivating and immersive experience for the reader. The fusion of language and music in poetry allows for a multi-sensory engagement, where the reader not only comprehends the meaning of the words but also experiences their musical and rhythmic qualities.

As a poet, Rita Dove has demonstrated a keen awareness of the ways in which language and music converge to form the essence of poetry. Through her own work, Dove has masterfully utilized language and musical elements to craft evocative and profound poems that resonate with readers. Her exploration of themes, narratives, and emotions through the prism of language and music exemplifies the transformative power of poetry as an art form.

In conclusion, Rita Dove's quote serves as a poignant reminder of the intrinsic relationship between language, music, and poetry. Through her insightful words, Dove invites readers to contemplate the enthralling nature of these elements and their profound impact on the art of poetry. By recognizing the significance of language and music in shaping poetic expression, Dove offers a glimpse into the beauty and complexity of poetry as a medium of artistic and emotional expression.