Art Quote by Edgar Allan Poe
““A skillful literary artist has constructed a tale. If wise, he has not fashioned his thoughts to accommodate his incidents; but having conceived, with deliberate care, a certain unique or single effect to be wrought out, he then invents as may best aid him in establishing this preconceived effect. If his very initial sentence tend not to the outbringing of this effect, then he has failed in his first step. In the whole composition there should be no words written, of which the tendency, direct or indirect, is not to the one pre-established design. And by such means, with such care and skill, a picture is at length painted which leaves in the mind of him who contemplates it with a kindred art, a sense of the fullest satisfaction. The idea of the tale has been presented unblemished because undisturbed: and this is an end unattainable by the novel. Undue brevity is just as exceptionable here as in the poem; but undue length is yet more to be avoided.””
About This Quote
The author argues that a masterful narrative is deliberately crafted toward a single, pre‑conceived effect, with every word serving that purpose, avoiding both unnecessary brevity and excess length.
In simple terms: Purposeful, tightly‑structured storytelling.
Key Takeaway
Every element must serve the intended impact.
Themes
craftsmanship
purpose
structure
conciseness
effect
Mood
analytical
reflective
critical
Type
critical essay
theoretical statement
instructional
When to use this quote
- writing a short story
- editing a novel
- teaching narrative technique
- analyzing literary style
- planning a screenplay
Key Concepts
design
intentionality
economy
coherence
Practical Applications
- guiding writers to focus on core effect
- providing a framework for concise storytelling
Questions to Reflect On
- How does pre‑planning affect creative spontaneity?
- When is length justified in service of effect?
