But poets were not considered dangerous and they were advised to exercise self-censorship. At most, poets were requested not to write at all. I took advantage of this negative liberty.
Eugenio MontaleRead
There is poetry even in prose, in all the great prose which is not merely utilitarian or didactic: there exist poets who write in prose or at least in more or less apparent prose; millions of poets write verses which have no connection with poetry.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the poetic qualities that can be found in prose, suggesting that true artistry transcends traditional boundaries of writing forms.
Eugenio Montale emphasizes that poetry is not confined solely to verse but can also be found in prose that carries depth and artistic expression. He points out that many writers whose works may appear simply utilitarian or educational can still evoke the essence of poetry. Conversely, there are countless poets whose verses lack genuine poetic substance, reinforcing that true artistry comes from the heart and mind, regardless of format.
Themes
PoetryProseArtistryExpressionWriting
In practice
Example use cases
A writer's workshop where participants explore prose that embodies poetic qualities.
More from Eugenio Montale
All quotes →Mass communication, radio, and especially television, have attempted, not without success, to annihilate every possibility of solitude and reflection.
Eugenio MontaleRead
It has often been observed that the repercussion of poetic language on prose language can be considered a decisive cut of a whip.
Eugenio MontaleRead
I have always knocked at the door of that wonderful and terrible enigma which is life.
Eugenio MontaleRead
For my part, if I consider poetry as an object, I maintain that it is born of the necessity of adding a vocal sound (speech) to the hammering of the first tribal music.
Eugenio MontaleRead
Man cannot produce a single work without the assistance of the slow, assiduous, corrosive worm of thought.
Eugenio MontaleRead
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