Brevity Quote by Edgar Allan Poe
“It is clear that a poem may be improperly brief. Undue brevity degenerates into mere epigrammatism. A very short poem, while now and then producing a brilliant or vivid, never produces a profound or enduring, effect. There must be the steady pressing down of the stamp upon the wax.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Poetic Principle, 1850
Brief poems often lack depth; they become clever epigrams rather than lasting works.
In simple terms: Short poems rarely endure.
Key Takeaway
Aim for substance over brevity.
Themes
poetry
literature
art
expression
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
critical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- literary criticism
- creative writing classes
Key Concepts
epigrammatism
depth
lasting impact
Questions to Reflect On
- Can brevity ever convey deep meaning?
- What makes a poem timeless?
A Different Perspective
Even brief works can be profound if crafted carefully.
![“[ On Love After Love by Derek Walcott ] I read this poem often, once a month at least. In the madness and mayhem of modern life, where every man seems committed to an endless search for the approval and esteem of his fellows and peers, no matter what the cost, this poem reminds me of a basic…” quote by Tom Hiddleston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/91f/tom-hiddleston-1633_calm-and-peace_on-love-after-love-by-derek-walcott-i-re_1921633.jpg)
