One merit of poetry few persons will deny: it says more and in fewer words than prose

One merit of poetry few persons will deny: it says more and in fewer words than prose

Voltaire, the renowned French philosopher and writer of the Enlightenment period, was a firm believer in the power and beauty of poetry. He understood the unique ability of poetry to convey complex emotions and ideas in a concise and impactful manner. In his works, Voltaire often praised the merits of poetry, acknowledging that it has the ability to say more in fewer words than prose.

One of the key merits of poetry that Voltaire highlighted was its ability to convey deep emotions and profound truths in a condensed form. Unlike prose, which can sometimes be verbose and meandering, poetry is able to distill complex thoughts and feelings into a few carefully chosen words. This brevity allows poets to pack a powerful punch with their words, evoking strong emotions and sparking thought-provoking insights in their readers.

Voltaire recognized that poetry has a unique ability to capture the essence of a moment or a feeling in a way that prose often cannot. By using vivid imagery, metaphor, and symbolism, poets are able to create a rich tapestry of emotions and ideas that resonate with readers on a deep level. This economy of language is one of the hallmarks of poetry, and it is what sets it apart from other forms of writing.