Meaning: Northrop Frye, a prominent literary critic, presents a thought-provoking analogy between scientific discovery and poetry in the quote, "Just as a new scientific discovery manifests something that was already latent in the order of nature, and at the same time is logically related to the total structure of the existing science, so the new poem manifests something that was already latent in the order of words." This quote encapsulates Frye's belief that both scientific discovery and poetry reveal inherent truths that are harmoniously connected to the existing order of nature and language.

Frye's comparison of scientific discovery and poetry highlights the idea that both endeavors involve the revelation of something that already exists but was previously hidden or unknown. In the realm of science, a new discovery often uncovers natural phenomena or principles that have always been present in the order of nature but were not yet understood or observed. Similarly, a new poem, according to Frye, unveils something that was already latent in the order of words, suggesting that the essence of the poem was already inherent in the language itself, waiting to be brought to light by the poet.

Furthermore, Frye emphasizes the logical relationship between new scientific discoveries and the existing body of scientific knowledge. He asserts that a new scientific finding is not isolated but is intricately connected to the total structure of existing science. Similarly, he argues that a new poem is logically related to the total structure of the existing body of literature. In this sense, both scientific progress and poetic creation are not haphazard or disconnected from the existing framework; rather, they contribute to and are influenced by the broader structure of their respective disciplines.

Frye's analogy underscores the idea that both scientific discovery and poetry are not abrupt departures from the pre-existing order but are instead integral parts of an ongoing and interconnected system. This perspective aligns with Frye's broader literary theory, which emphasized the interconnectedness of literary works and their relationship to archetypal patterns and universal themes.

In the context of poetry, Frye's quote suggests that a new poem is not a random arrangement of words but rather a manifestation of the latent potential within the structure of language. Just as a scientist builds upon existing knowledge and theories to make a new discovery, a poet draws upon the existing order of words, language, and literary tradition to create a new work. This view acknowledges the rich and complex history of language and literature, highlighting the continuity and evolution of poetic expression within the broader framework of human communication.

Moreover, Frye's comparison encourages a deeper appreciation for the creative process and the role of the poet as someone who uncovers and gives form to the latent possibilities within language. By likening the act of poetic creation to the unveiling of hidden truths within the order of words, Frye invites readers to consider the profound impact of poetry as a medium for expressing universal themes and human experiences.

Overall, Northrop Frye's quote offers a compelling analogy that illuminates the interconnectedness of scientific discovery and poetic creation. By highlighting the latent potential within the order of nature and words, as well as the logical relationship to existing structures, Frye's comparison serves as a reminder of the profound significance of both scientific inquiry and poetic expression in revealing truths about the world and human existence.