The essay critiques the tendency of people to write and publish poetry that is mediocre and lacking in skill. It argues that this phenomenon is a result of the democratization of literature, which has led to an increase in the number of people who feel they can write poetry without having the necessary talent or training. The author suggests that bad verse is often characterized by its use of clichés, overwrought language, and sentimental themes. He argues that this type of poetry is not only aesthetically unpleasing but also emotionally manipulative, preying on the reader's emotions rather than challenging their intellect. The essay concludes by suggesting that the proliferation of bad verse is a symptom of a larger cultural problem, in which people are more concerned with expressing themselves than with creating something of value.
By Hilaire Belloc · First published 1910 · Genre: Literary Criticism, Essay, Satire