"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"

Eugenio Montale's quote touches on the nuanced relationship between prose and poetry. To start, Montale recommends that poetry is not confined to verses with rhyme and meter; rather, it exists within prose when crafted with artistry, depth, and expressiveness. Terrific prose, which transcends simple energy and instruction, contains poetic qualities due to its capability to stimulate emotion, communicate charm, and invite consideration. This viewpoint expands the meaning of poetry beyond traditional limits, acknowledging the fundamental creativity and emotional resonance discovered in well-written prose.

Montale goes on to highlight that there are poets who intentionally choose prose as their medium, or at least blur the lines in between prose and poetry. These writers focus on the aesthetic and emotive capacity of language itself, crafting sentences that inspire and resonate with readers as a poem would. This view challenges conventional literary classifications and suggests that the essence of poetry lies in the intent and effect instead of the format.

Conversely, Montale also acknowledges that not all that is identified "poetry" genuinely has a poetic essence. Countless people may compose in verse, sticking to the official structures generally associated with poetry, yet their work does not have the essential qualities that render it genuinely poetic. This declaration can be viewed as a review of shallow adherence to structure without the deeper qualities of insight and psychological depth that specify authentic poetry.

In essence, Montale welcomes a reevaluation of what makes up poetry, advising readers to look beyond formal structures and appreciate the poetic qualities that can be found in numerous types of composing. Poetry is thus seen as a quality of literature that goes beyond particular formats, stressing the function of imagination, feeling, and appeal in communication and creative expression.