Norman MacCaig: 'When I was asked to be Writer in Residence at Edinburgh I thought, you can't teach poetry. This is ridiculous.'

When I was asked to be Writer in Residence at Edinburgh I thought, you can't teach poetry. This is ridiculous.

Norman MacCaig, a renowned Scottish poet, once expressed his skepticism towards the idea of teaching poetry when he was asked to be Writer in Residence at Edinburgh. He believed that poetry was something inherently personal and intimate, an artistic expression that couldn't be taught or learned through conventional means. MacCaig's statement highlights an ongoing debate about the art form's teachability and raises questions about the nature of poetry itself.To begin, MacCaig's quote emphasizes the belief that poetry is an organic and innate talent that cannot be easily imparted or acquired. It suggests that the beauty and power of poetry lie in the individual's unique creativity and personal experiences. MacCaig's skepticism reflects a sentiment shared by many artists who argue that art forms like poetry cannot be taught, but rather, can only be nurtured and guided along an individual's creative journey.However, amidst MacCaig's doubts, an unexpected philosophical concept arises - the idea that poetry can indeed be taught but in a way that transcends traditional methods. This concept challenges the notion that teaching poetry involves prescribing rigid rules or techniques and instead introduces a more holistic approach that encompasses the power of inspiration, introspection, and connection.When we broaden our understanding of teaching poetry, we realize that it goes beyond mastering meters or crafting metaphors. Instead, it becomes a process of helping individuals identify their unique perspectives, emotions, and experiences, and transforming them into poetic expressions. Teaching poetry becomes about encouraging self-reflection, facilitating exploration, and cultivating a deep appreciation for language and metaphor.In this sense, poetry can be seen as a reflection of life itself. Like life, poetry cannot be confined to a set of rules or formulas; it is dynamic, fluid, and subjective. Teaching poetry then becomes a means to guide individuals towards discovering their own poetic voice, their distinct way of capturing the essence of life's intricacies.Contrasting MacCaig's initial skepticism with this more holistic approach reveals the importance of understanding that teaching poetry doesn't involve dictating what makes a good poem, but rather uncovering the potential within each individual to create meaningful and authentic art. It involves nurturing a passion for language, encouraging experimentation, and providing a supportive environment for self-expression.Ultimately, the teachability of poetry seems to depend on our definition of what it means to teach. While it may be true that poetry cannot be systematized or standardized, it doesn't discount the possibility of guiding and inspiring aspiring poets towards developing their craft. The role of a teacher or Writer in Residence, then, becomes one of facilitation, mentorship, and encouragement rather than the imposition of rules and structures.Norman MacCaig's skepticism towards teaching poetry, expressed through his quote, challenges conventional notions about the teachability of art. It prompts us to contemplate the essence of poetry, its connection to personal experiences, and the role of teaching in nurturing the creative potential within individuals. By broadening our understanding of what it means to teach poetry, we can unlock the inherent poetic abilities within ourselves and others, and foster a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of this art form.