Quote by W. H. Auden

Rhymes, meters, stanza forms, etc., are like servants. If the master is fair enough to win their affection and firm enough to command their respect, the result is an orderly happy household. If he is too tyrannical, they give notice; if he lacks authority, they become slovenly, impertinent, drunk and dishonest.

Rhymes, meters, stanza forms, etc., are like servants. If th

Summary

This quote highlights the importance of structure and discipline in poetry. Rhyme schemes, meters, and stanza forms are compared to servants that require a fair and commanding master. When a poet is skilled enough to utilize these elements effectively, they create a harmonious and balanced composition. However, if the poet becomes too rigid or oppressive, the poetic structure rebels and loses its beauty. On the other hand, if the poet lacks authority or neglects these elements, the poem becomes disordered and loses its integrity, with sloppy, disrespectful, and incoherent elements.

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