Much of a poet's experience takes place in imagination only; the life he tells is oftenest the life that he strongly desires to live, and the power, the purity and height of his utterance may not seldom be the greater because experience here uses the voices of desire.

George Edward Woodberry’s quote, "Much of a poet's experience takes place in imagination only; the life he tells is oftenest the life that he strongly desires to live, and the power, the purity and height of his utterance may not seldom be the greater because experience here uses the voices of desire," explores the unique role of imagination in poetry. Woodberry suggests that a poet’s true experience often occurs within their imagination, as they create and explore lives and scenarios that may not exist in reality. This imaginative world allows poets to delve into desires and possibilities that transcend the limitations of their actual experiences.

The quote also addresses the idea that the poet's work often reflects the life they wish they could live, rather than a mere recounting of real-life events. The poet's deep desire to experience certain things or to express emotions that are intensely felt but not lived out becomes a driving force in their writing. This desire becomes a medium through which poets can channel their deepest feelings and unfulfilled longings, allowing them to craft rich, emotional narratives and verses.

Woodberry goes on to highlight that the power, purity, and height of a poet's utterance may be enhanced precisely because it is rooted in imagination and desire. Since the poet is not constrained by the factual limits of their own experiences, their voice is free to explore more profound or idealized expressions of truth, often resulting in a more elevated and moving form of poetry. In this sense, imagination and desire contribute to the emotional intensity and depth of the work.

Ultimately, the quote speaks to the transformative role of imagination and desire in the poet’s creative process. Woodberry suggests that poets can express universal truths and deep emotional experiences by drawing from their inner world, making their poetry powerful and pure. Through imagination, the poet transcends personal reality and taps into a broader, more idealized vision of life, which in turn elevates their art.