Funny Quote by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
“Many a poem is marred by a superfluous word.”
About This Quote
Source Poetry: Miscellaneous Essays, 1865
Excess words weaken a poem’s impact, making it less clear and powerful.
In simple terms: Extra words dilute poetry.
Key Takeaway
Trim unnecessary words.
Themes
poetry
clarity
editing
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
literary
advice
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- editing drafts
- teacher feedback
- self‑revision
Key Concepts
conciseness
literary style
Questions to Reflect On
- Which words can you cut without losing meaning?
- How does brevity affect emotion?
A Different Perspective
Removing words may also strip nuance or rhythm.
