Meaning: Marilyn Hacker's quote provides insight into the various elements that make up a collection of poems. She discusses the varying qualities of individual poems and how they come together to form a cohesive narrative. This quote highlights the complexity and depth of poetry as a literary form, and it offers a valuable perspective on the relationship between individual works and the larger framework of a collection.

Hacker's distinction between "lyric" and "descriptive or narrative" poems speaks to the diverse nature of poetry. "Lyric" poems often convey the poet's emotions, thoughts, and feelings in a highly personal and introspective manner. They may focus on the poet's own experiences or delve into abstract themes and concepts. On the other hand, "descriptive or narrative" poems tend to tell a story or depict scenes and images with vivid detail. These poems may have a more structured and linear quality, guiding the reader through a specific series of events or experiences.

By acknowledging the presence of both lyric and descriptive/narrative elements in a collection, Hacker emphasizes the multifaceted nature of poetry. This acknowledgment also reflects the diverse styles and techniques that poets employ to convey their messages and evoke emotions in their readers. Each type of poem serves a distinct purpose within the broader scope of a collection, contributing to the overall richness and depth of the work.

Hacker's assertion that "Each poem is fixed in a moment" underscores the temporal and spatial qualities of poetry. Every poem captures a specific instance or experience, freezing it in time through the poet's language and imagery. This fixation on a moment allows poets to explore the nuances of individual emotions, thoughts, and sensory perceptions, creating a profound and intimate connection with the reader. Furthermore, the idea of each poem as a standalone moment suggests that every piece contributes something unique to the collection as a whole, adding layers of depth and complexity to the overall narrative.

The notion that "All those moments written or read together take on the movement and architecture of a narrative" is particularly intriguing. Hacker's comparison of individual poems to moments that, when combined, form a narrative, highlights the interconnectedness of poetry. When read in succession, individual poems create a larger, overarching story or thematic exploration. This narrative structure can emerge through recurring motifs, evolving emotions, or interconnected imagery, allowing the reader to experience a cohesive journey through the collection.

Hacker's use of the terms "movement and architecture" further emphasizes the dynamic and structured nature of a collection of poems. The movement suggests a sense of progression or development, as if the poems are leading the reader through a deliberate and purposeful journey. Meanwhile, the architecture implies a carefully constructed framework that provides cohesion and coherence to the collection as a whole. This metaphorical approach to understanding the organization and flow of a poetry collection offers valuable insights into the intricate design and intentional arrangement of individual poems.

In conclusion, Marilyn Hacker's quote encapsulates the intricate dynamics of poetry collections, highlighting the diverse qualities of individual poems and their cumulative impact on the overarching narrative. Her words shed light on the nuanced interplay between lyric and descriptive/narrative poems, as well as the temporal, spatial, and structural dimensions of poetry. Ultimately, this quote offers a compelling perspective on the complex and multifaceted nature of poetry as a literary form.