There is only one thing which can master the perplexed stuff of epic material into unity; and that is, an ability to see in particular human experience some significant symbolism of man's general destiny. Lascelles Abercrombie abilitydestinyepic 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
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
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
Traditional matter must be glorified, since it would be easier to listen to the re-creation of familiar stories than to quite new and unexpected things; the listeners, we must remember, needed poetry chiefly as the re-creation of tired hours. Lascelles Abercrombie chieflycreationeasy 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
The balance of private good and general welfare is at the bottom of civilized morals; but the morals of the Heroic Age are founded on individuality, and on nothing else. Lascelles Abercrombie agebalancebottom 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
