This quote powerfully expresses a deep sense of identity tied to both a specific place and an artistic medium. It suggests that the author's true homeland is the vibrant city of Prague, and his authentic voice is found within the lyrical expression of poetry, defining his essence.
Quote by Jaroslav Seifert: “My country is Prague, and my language is poetry.”
My country is Prague, and my language is poetry.
Insight
Historical Context
Prague was Seifert's lifelong inspiration and home. Throughout periods of national suppression, his identification with Prague and poetry became a quiet act of cultural preservation and defiance.
About the Author
Czech poet who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1984, the first Czech author to receive the prize. He was one of the founding members of the Czech Communist Party but later became a signatory of Charter 77, the dissident human rights declaration. His poetry chronicles Czech life and loss across the entire twentieth century.
View all quotes by Jaroslav Seifert