Meaning: This quote by Marilyn Hacker, a renowned poet and critic, offers a glimpse into the overwhelming nature of the literary world, particularly from the perspective of a reader or editor who is inundated with manuscripts. The quote reflects the sheer volume of submissions that individuals in the publishing industry often encounter, as well as the varying quality of the work that is submitted.

The statement "We sometimes received - and I would read - 200 manuscripts a week" underscores the staggering quantity of material that is sent to publishers and literary journals. This volume of submissions can be both a testament to the enthusiasm and dedication of aspiring writers, as well as a testament to the fierce competition and challenges of getting one's work noticed and published. For those tasked with reviewing these submissions, the sheer number of manuscripts can be daunting, requiring a considerable investment of time and energy to sift through the material.

Hacker's observation that "Some of them were wonderful, some were terrible; most were mediocre" speaks to the subjective nature of literature and the wide spectrum of quality that exists within the submissions. This sentiment reflects the reality that not all submissions will meet the standards or preferences of the editors or readers who assess them. It also highlights the fact that literary taste is highly individual and that what resonates with one person may not resonate with another.

The comparison of the manuscripts to "the gifts of the good and bad fairies" adds a whimsical and metaphorical layer to the quote. This analogy evokes the idea of a fairy tale, where magical beings bestow blessings or curses upon individuals. In the context of the quote, it suggests that the manuscripts are like gifts from capricious and unpredictable forces, with some holding the promise of literary brilliance and others falling short of expectations. This comparison captures the unpredictable and diverse nature of the submissions that are received, as well as the element of chance and uncertainty involved in the process of evaluating and selecting work for publication.

Overall, Marilyn Hacker's quote offers a candid and insightful perspective on the challenges and complexities of navigating the world of literary submissions. It serves as a reminder of the immense volume of creative output that circulates within the literary community and the nuanced process of discerning quality amidst this abundance. The quote also underscores the subjective nature of literary judgment and the inherent variability in the reception of creative work. Ultimately, it provides a glimpse into the multifaceted and dynamic landscape of literary publishing, where the interplay of quantity, quality, and individual taste shapes the trajectory of aspiring writers and their work.