--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Many a poem is marred by a superfluous…" description: "\"Many a poem is marred by a superfluous verse.\" — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a83/henry-wadsworth-longfellow-284_language_many-a-poem-is-marred-by-a-superfluous-v_1743358.jpg" --- # Many a poem is marred by a superfluous verse. ![“Many a poem is marred by a superfluous verse.” quote by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a83/henry-wadsworth-longfellow-284_language_many-a-poem-is-marred-by-a-superfluous-v_1743358.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a83/henry-wadsworth-longfellow-284_language_many-a-poem-is-marred-by-a-superfluous-v_1743358.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a83/henry-wadsworth-longfellow-284_language_many-a-poem-is-marred-by-a-superfluous-v_1743358.jpg) > “Many a poem is marred by a superfluous verse.” [Henry Wadsworth Longfellow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-wadsworth-longfellow/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Superfluous verses weaken a poem's impact, diluting its message. **In simple terms:** Extra lines weaken poetry. Key Takeaway Edit ruthlessly. Themes poetry editing craft Mood thoughtful analytical Type literary instructional When to use this quote - writing workshops - editing drafts - academic analysis - creative writing - publishing Key Concepts literature conciseness Questions to Reflect On - What lines can you cut without losing meaning? - How does brevity affect emotional impact? A Different Perspective Removing lines may lose intended nuance. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Language](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/language/) [Poetry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/poetry/) [Verse](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/verse/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/) ## Related quotes > [Many a poem is marred by a superfluous word.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-wadsworth-longfellow/many-a-poem-is-marred-by-a-superfluous-word/) [Henry Wadsworth Longfellow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-wadsworth-longfellow/) > [When grubbing for necessities man is still an animal. He becomes uniquely human when he reaches out for the superfluous and extravagant.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eric-hoffer/when-grubbing-for-necessities-man-is-still-an-animal-he-becomes/) [Eric Hoffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eric-hoffer/) > [All sorts of articles and letters appear in the papers about women. Profound questions are raised concerning them. Should they smoke? Should they work?…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rose-macaulay/all-sorts-of-articles-and-letters-appear-in-the-papers-about-women/) [Rose Macaulay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rose-macaulay/) > [We can hardly expect the nation-state to make itself superfluous, at least not overnight. 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First we manufacture indigent and superfluous people by legal monopolies in land, money…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laurance-labadie/the-health-education-and-welfare-section-of-government-is-another/) [Laurance Labadie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laurance-labadie/) > [It is for the superfluous we sweat.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/seneca-the-younger/it-is-for-the-superfluous-we-sweat/) [Seneca the Younger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/seneca-the-younger/) > [For other things mild Heav'n a time ordains, And disapproves that care, though wise in show, That with superfluous burden loads the day, And…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-milton/for-other-things-mild-heav-n-a-time-ordains-and-disapproves-that-care/) [John Milton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-milton/) ## More by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow > [The spring came suddenly, bursting upon the world as a child bursts into a room, with a laugh and a shout and hands full…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-wadsworth-longfellow/the-spring-came-suddenly-bursting-upon-the-world-as-a-child-bursts/) [Henry Wadsworth Longfellow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-wadsworth-longfellow/) > [In old age our bodies are worn-out instruments, on which the soul tries in vain to play the melodies of youth. 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