But the development of human society does not go straight forward; and the epic process will therefore be a recurring process, the series a recurring series - though not in exact repetition.

Quote by Lascelles Abercrombie

Topics: Lascelles Abercrombie Quotes

Traditional matter must be glorified, since it would be easier to listen to the re-creation...

Traditional matter must be glorified, since it would be easier to listen to the re-creation...

The reason can only be this: heroic poetry depends on an heroic age, and an...

The reason can only be this: heroic poetry depends on an heroic age, and an...

An epic is not made by piecing together a set of heroic lays, adjusting their...

An epic is not made by piecing together a set of heroic lays, adjusting their...

For the stage displays the first vigorous expression, as the natural thing and without conspicuous...

For the stage displays the first vigorous expression, as the natural thing and without conspicuous...

With several different kinds of poetry to choose from, a man would decide that he...

With several different kinds of poetry to choose from, a man would decide that he...

But the gravest difficulty, and perhaps the most important, in poetry meant solely for recitation,...

But the gravest difficulty, and perhaps the most important, in poetry meant solely for recitation,...

By the general process of epic poetry, I mean the way this form of art...

By the general process of epic poetry, I mean the way this form of art...

The Border Ballads, for instance, and the Robin Hood Ballads, clearly suppose a state of...

The Border Ballads, for instance, and the Robin Hood Ballads, clearly suppose a state of...

That is to say, epic poetry has been invented many times and independently; but, as...

That is to say, epic poetry has been invented many times and independently; but, as...

It is more difficult to keep the attention of hearers than of readers.

It is more difficult to keep the attention of hearers than of readers.

If epic poetry is a definite species, the sagas do not fall within it.

If epic poetry is a definite species, the sagas do not fall within it.

There is only one thing which can master the perplexed stuff of epic material into...

There is only one thing which can master the perplexed stuff of epic material into...

The balance of private good and general welfare is at the bottom of civilized morals;...

The balance of private good and general welfare is at the bottom of civilized morals;...

The world knows of a vast stock of epic material scattered up and down the...

The world knows of a vast stock of epic material scattered up and down the...

Epic poetry exhibits life in some great symbolic attitude. It cannot strictly be said to...

Epic poetry exhibits life in some great symbolic attitude. It cannot strictly be said to...

The epic poet collaborates with the spirit of his time in the composition of his...

The epic poet collaborates with the spirit of his time in the composition of his...

Poetry is the work of poets, not of peoples or communities; artistic creation can never...

Poetry is the work of poets, not of peoples or communities; artistic creation can never...

Poetry is the rhythmical creation of beauty in words.

Poetry is the rhythmical creation of beauty in words.

Among all the creatures of creation, the gods favor us: We are the only ones...

Among all the creatures of creation, the gods favor us: We are the only ones...

Computers are useless. They can only give you answers.

Computers are useless. They can only give you answers.