The art of writing is mysterious; the opinions we hold are ephemeral , and I prefer the Platonic idea of the Muse to that of Poe, who reasoned, or feigned to reason, that the writing of a poem is an act of the intelligence. It never fails to amaze me that the classics hold a romantic theory of poetry, and a romantic poet a classical theory.

Summary

This quote highlights the enigmatic nature of writing and the transient nature of our opinions. The author expresses a preference for the Platonic view of the Muse as the inspiration behind writing, as opposed to Poe's belief that writing is a product of intellectual reasoning. The quote also observes the paradoxical phenomenon where classic literature often embraces a more romantic notion of poetry, while romantic poets often adhere to classical theories. It offers reflection on the contrasting perspectives and the ever-present intrigue surrounding the art of writing.

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