THE "ARS POETICA" OF HORACE -- I. (Lines 1-23.)
The poem's speaker argues that a good poet should be able to instruct and delight readers simultaneously. The speaker claims that poetry is a natural talent that cannot be taught, and that a true poet is born with the ability. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of brevity and clarity in poetry, stating that a poet should be able to convey their message concisely and avoid unnecessary words.
By Eugene Field · First published 123 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Criticism, Didactic Literature · 267 words
First lines
Should painters attach to a fair human head The thick, turgid neck of a stallion, Or depict a spruce lass with the tail of a bass -- I am sure you would guy the rapscallion!
Believe me, dear Pisos, that such a freak Is the crude and preposterous poem Which merely abounds in a torrent of sounds With no depth of reason below 'em.
'Tis all very well to give license to art -- The wisdom of license defend I; But the line should be drawn at the fripperish sprawn Of a mere cacoethes scribendi.
It is too much the fashion to strain at effects -- Yes, that's what's the matter with Hannah! Our popular taste by the tyros debased Paints each barnyard a grove of Diana!
What this Textopian page supports
THE "ARS POETICA" OF HORACE -- I. (Lines 1-23.) is listed on Textopian as an essay by Eugene Field, dated 123 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Eugene Field
- Date: 123 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Criticism, Didactic Literature, Satire, Classical Literature
- Length: 267 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for THE "ARS POETICA" OF HORACE -- I. (Lines 1-23.) by Eugene Field
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering THE "ARS POETICA" OF HORACE -- I. (Lines 1-23.)?
- How does this essay by Eugene Field fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Ars Poetica Of Horace Xviii Lines 323 333 by Eugene Field
- The Ars Poetica Of Horace Xxiii by Eugene Field
- A Chaucerian Paraphrase Of Horace by Eugene Field
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is a poetic interpretation of Horace's 'Ars Poetica', focusing on themes of artistic expression and critique.
- Literary Criticism — It analyzes the principles of poetry and art, reflecting on the standards and practices of creative work.
- Didactic Literature — The text serves to instruct and convey moral lessons about the nature of art and creativity.
- Satire — It employs humor and irony to critique poor artistic practices and societal trends in art.
Tags
Ancient Roman Literature · Poetry · Classical Literature · Literary Criticism · Artistic Expression · Rhetoric · Aesthetics · Philosophy of Art · Creative Process · Imitation · Innovation · Tradition