"The fact that The Bridge contains folk lore and other material suitable to the epic form need not therefore prove its failure as a long lyric poem, with interrelated sections"

In this quote, Hart Crane is discussing the classification and analysis of his poem, "The Bridge." He is acknowledging that it contains components of folklore and other products that are typically found in epic poetry. However, he argues that just because it has these aspects does not always imply that it suits the traditional legendary kind. Instead, Crane contends that "The Bridge" can be interpreted and valued as a long lyric poem that has adjoined sections. He is basically encouraging readers not to get slowed down in attempting to fit his work into a specific category, but rather to value it by itself terms.