Defined Quote by Richard Hugo
“Maximum sentence length: seventeen words. Minimum:one No semicolons. Semicolons indicate relationships that only idiots need defined by punctuation. Besides, they are ugly. Make sure each sentence is at least four words longer or shorter than the one before it.”
About This Quote
Source Poetry: Selected Poems by Richard Hugo, 1975
The instruction imposes strict structural constraints to challenge conventional writing habits.
In simple terms: Follow strict rules for sentences.
Key Takeaway
Experiment with form and length.
Themes
creativity
structure
discipline
Mood
inspirational
analytical
Type
poetic
instructional
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- creative exercises
- editing practice
Key Concepts
poetic form
self‑imposed limits
Questions to Reflect On
- How does constraint spark creativity?
- What benefits arise from breaking usual patterns?
A Different Perspective
Rigid rules may stifle natural expression.
![“The self is defined psychologically as the psychic totality of the individual. Anything that a [person] postulates as being a greater totality than [oneself] can become a symbol of the self. For this reason the symbol of the self is not always as total as the definition would require.” quote by Carl Jung](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/251/carl-jung-274_defined_the-self-is-defined-psychologically-as-t_7148.jpg)
