“The corruption of a poet is the generation of a critic.” A wry observation on how creative practice can turn into judgement of others · Essay of Dramatic Poesy Art Poetry
“Poetry is a speaking picture, with this end, to teach and delight.” Defining poetry as an art that combines representation, instruction, and pleasure · Preface to Fables, Ancient and Modern Art Poetry
“A play ought to be a just image of human nature; but it is not necessary that it should be a true history of the times.” Distinguishing truthful human representation from literal historical record · Essay of Dramatic Poesy Art Truth
“Delight is the chief, if not the only, end of poesy.” Presenting pleasure as poetry’s central artistic purpose · Essay of Dramatic Poesy Joy Poetry
“The end of poetry is to instruct, and the end of instruction is to please.” Joining moral instruction to the pleasure that makes poetry memorable · Preface to Fables, Ancient and Modern Art Poetry
