--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Many a poem is marred by a superfluous…" description: "\"Many a poem is marred by a superfluous word.\" — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/164/henry-wadsworth-longfellow-284_funny_many-a-poem-is-marred-by-a-superfluous-w_263490.jpg" --- # Many a poem is marred by a superfluous word. ![“Many a poem is marred by a superfluous word.” quote by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/164/henry-wadsworth-longfellow-284_funny_many-a-poem-is-marred-by-a-superfluous-w_263490.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/164/henry-wadsworth-longfellow-284_funny_many-a-poem-is-marred-by-a-superfluous-w_263490.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/164/henry-wadsworth-longfellow-284_funny_many-a-poem-is-marred-by-a-superfluous-w_263490.jpg) > “Many a poem is marred by a superfluous word.” [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. 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. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Funny](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/funny/) [Inspirational](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/inspirational/) [Language](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/language/) [Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love/) [Poem](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/poem/) [Poetry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/poetry/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/) ## Related quotes > [Many a poem is marred by a superfluous verse.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-wadsworth-longfellow/many-a-poem-is-marred-by-a-superfluous-verse/) [Henry Wadsworth Longfellow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-wadsworth-longfellow/) > [The poets aim is either to profit or to please, or to blend in one the delightful and the useful. 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