By the general process of epic poetry, I mean the way this form of art has constantly responded to the profound needs of the society in which it was made. Lascelles Abercrombie artconstantlyepic Change image and share on social
It seems difficult, sometimes, to believe that there was a time when sentiments now become habitual, sentiments that imply not only the original imperative of conduct, but the original metaphysic of living, were by no means altogether habitual. Lascelles Abercrombie altogetherconductdifficult share on social
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. Lascelles Abercrombie developmentepicexact Change image and share on social
The epic poet collaborates with the spirit of his time in the composition of his work. That is, if he is successful; the time may refuse to work with him, but he may not refuse to work with his time. Lascelles Abercrombie collaboratecompositionepic Change image and share on social
Poetry is the work of poets, not of peoples or communities; artistic creation can never be anything but the production of an individual mind. Lascelles Abercrombie artisticcommunitycreation Change image and share on social
The Border Ballads, for instance, and the Robin Hood Ballads, clearly suppose a state of society which is nothing but a very circumscribed and not very important heroic age. Lascelles Abercrombie ageballadborder Change image and share on social
If epic poetry is a definite species, the sagas do not fall within it. Lascelles Abercrombie definiteepicfall Change image and share on social
The first epics were intended for recitation; the literary epic is meant to be read. Lascelles Abercrombie epicintendliterary Change image and share on social
It is more difficult to keep the attention of hearers than of readers. Lascelles Abercrombie attentiondifficulthearer Change image and share on social
The epic poet has behind him a tradition of matter and a tradition of style; and that is what every other poet has behind him too; only, for the epic poet, tradition is rather narrower, rather more strictly compelling. Lascelles Abercrombie compelepicmatter share on social
