"Today not even a universal fire could make the torrential poetic production of our time disappear. But it is exactly a question of production, that is, of hand-made products which are subject to the laws of taste and fashion"

Eugenio Montale, a distinguished Italian poet, assesses the expansion of poetic operate in modern times through this thought-provoking quote. He utilizes the striking imagery of a "universal fire" to highlight the large volume and strength of contemporary poetry. Even a catastrophic event, an intense fire, could not erase the abundance of poetic expressions available today. This hyperbolic declaration represents not only the quantity but also the deep-rooted nature of poetry in contemporary culture.

However, Montale does not simply acknowledge this richness as a favorable development. He introduces a crucial viewpoint by explaining poetry as a kind of "production". This term suggests an industrial process, almost mechanical in nature, where poetry is no longer an art that emerges spontaneously from deep motivation however rather looks like a mass-produced commodity. By using the word "hand-made", he highlights the human effort and workmanship still present in poetry. Yet, the focus on production implies that this craftsmanship is typically governed by external impacts rather than internal imagination.

Additionally, Montale points out that these poetic works are "based on the laws of taste and style". This observation critiques the short-term and often superficial nature of contemporary art, where poetic value is typically determined by social patterns instead of classic qualities. By highlighting this, Montale raises concerns about the authenticity and long lasting significance of much modern poetry, as works may focus on style and immediate appeal over enduring creative merit.

In summary, Montale's quote functions as both a recognition of and a critique on modern-day poetry's abundance. While it celebrates the enduring existence of poetry, it all at once warns of the mechanization and commodification of art, affected more by patterns and tastes than by genuine, timeless human expression. Through his words, Montale welcomes readers to reconsider the authenticity and depth of poetic operate in the face of this prolific production.