"I wish our clever young poets would remember my homely definitions of prose and poetry; that is, prose = words in their best order; - poetry = the best words in the best order"
- Samuel Taylor Coleridge
About this Quote
Samuel Taylor Coleridge's quote is a tip to young poets to be mindful of the difference in between prose and poetry. He defines prose as "words in their finest order" and poetry as "the very best words in the very best order". This recommends that prose is simply the plan of words in a sensible and efficient way, while poetry is the arrangement of the very best words in the most efficient method. Coleridge is highlighting the significance of thoroughly selecting words and arranging them in such a way that communicates the preferred meaning. He is also suggesting that poets must aim to create masterpieces that are more than just words, however rather a combination of the best words in the very best order. By doing so, poets can develop works of art that are both meaningful and lovely.
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