Lascelles Abercrombie

Epic poetry exhibits life in some great symbolic attitude. It cannot strictly be said to symbolize life itself, but always read more

Epic poetry exhibits life in some great symbolic attitude. It cannot strictly be said to symbolize life itself, but always some manner of life.

But the development of human society does not go straight forward; and the epic process will therefore be a recurring read more

But the development of human society does not go straight forward; and the epic process will therefore be a recurring process, the series a recurring series - though not in exact repetition .

It is more difficult to keep the attention of hearers than of readers.

It is more difficult to keep the attention of hearers than of readers.

For the stage displays the first vigorous expression, as the natural thing and without conspicuous restraint, of private individuality.

For the stage displays the first vigorous expression, as the natural thing and without conspicuous restraint, of private individuality.

No poet will ever take the written word as a substitute for the spoken word; he knows that it is read more

No poet will ever take the written word as a substitute for the spoken word; he knows that it is on the spoken word, and the spoken word only, that his art is founded.