Affection Quote by William Wordsworth
“It may be safely affirmed that there neither is, nor can be, any essential difference between the language of prose and metrical composition… They both speak by and to the same organs; the bodies in which both of them are clothed may be said to be of the same substance, their affections are kindred, and almost identical, not necessarily differing even in degree; Poetry sheds no tears "such as Angels weep," but natural and human tears; she can boast of no celestial ichor that distinguishes her vital juices from those of prose; the same human blood circulates through the veins of them both.”
About This Quote
Source Poetry: Preface to Lyrical Ballads, 1800
Prose and poetry share the same human essence; differences are stylistic, not essential.
In simple terms: Poetry and prose are fundamentally alike.
Key Takeaway
Value both forms equally.
Themes
literature
art
language
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
explanatory
philosophical
When to use this quote
- teaching writing
- literary analysis
- creative workshops
Key Concepts
human expression
form
creativity
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you feel a difference in emotional response?
- Can form change meaning?
A Different Perspective
Some argue poetry's rhythm creates unique impact.
![“The thing that makes poetry different from all other arts [is that] you're using language, which is what you use for everything else--telling lies and selling socks, advertising and conducting law. Whereas we don't write little concerti to each other, or paint pictures.” quote by W.S. Merwin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d26/w-s-merwin-2-23725_art_the-thing-that-makes-poetry-different-fr_508289.jpg)
