"The poetry from the eighteenth century was prose; the prose from the seventeenth century was poetry"

David Hare's quote, "The poetry from the eighteenth century was prose; the prose from the seventeenth century was poetry", provides a contemplative reflection on the literary evolution between these durations, resolving the stylistic and philosophical changes in literature.

The eighteenth century was the Age of Enlightenment, characterized by reason, clarity, and order. During this time, literature began to stress form and function, lining up with principles of clear expression and logical structure. Poetry from this period typically adopted a more disciplined and structured type, leading Hare to assert that it resembled prose in its straightforwardness and rationality. The accurate nature of this poetry might not stick to the psychological richness typically related to poetic works, discovering clearness and definition in its expression instead of a flowery, ornate style.

On the other hand, the seventeenth century was a time of great upheaval and modification, reflected in the baroque and metaphysical motions within literature. This period saw the blossoming of complex, densely woven prose that welcomed poetic elements such as fancy metaphors and an abundant musicality in language. Writers like John Donne and George Herbert brought a deeply reflective and explorative nature to their prose which diverted towards the poetic. The prose from this era was instilled with dynamism and intricacy, resembling poetry in its vivid images and emotional depth, offering a nearly musical rhythm to the text.

David Hare's juxtaposition highlights a shift in literary focus throughout these 2 centuries, challenging our understandings of what makes up poetry and prose. His observation recommends that the categorical borders between poetry and prose are fluid and reflective of broader cultural and intellectual movements. By analyzing how poetry and prose can exchange characteristics with time, Hare motivates readers to value the long-lasting and progressing nature of literary expression, prompting us to look beyond standard categories and rather worth the intrinsic appeal and expressiveness of language throughout different contexts and periods.