“I hold that a long poem does not exist. I maintain that the phrase, “a long poem,” is simply a flat contradiction in terms.”

Arguing that poetic intensity cannot be sustained indefinitely · Essay on poetics, published 1850

• Art
• Poetry

“Melancholy is thus the most legitimate of all the poetical tones.”

Linking the highest poetic effect to a tone of melancholy · Essay, The Philosophy of Composition, 1846

• Melancholy
• Poetry
• Tone

“I prefer commencing with the consideration of an effect.”

Expressing his belief that a work should be designed around its intended emotional impact · Literary essay, 1846

• Art