Our poetry in the eighteenth century was prose; our prose in the seventeenth, poetry.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Eighteenth century poetry was rational while seventeenth century prose was expressive.
- In plain terms
- Old poetry felt dry and old prose felt emotional.
- What can you take from it?
- Expect shifts in style across different eras.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does style change over time?
- What defines good prose?
Another view
Generalizations about centuries may overlook exceptions.
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