Haiku Quote by Harold G. Henderson
““good haiku are full of overtones. The elusiveness that is one of their chief charms comes, not from haziness, but from the fact that so much suggestion is put into so few words. (Characteristics of Haiku, p. 4)””
About This Quote
Source Book: Characteristics of Haiku, p. 4
Haiku’s power lies in dense suggestion; few words carry many layers of meaning.
In simple terms: Few words hold many meanings.
Key Takeaway
Appreciate the depth in brevity.
Themes
poetry
conciseness
suggestion
Mood
reflective
inspired
Type
literary
analytical
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- teaching poetry
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
haiku structure
imagery
ambiguity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does a single image evoke multiple feelings?
- What does “overtones” mean to you?
A Different Perspective
Over‑interpretation can obscure the poem’s simplicity.
