Quote by Voltaire
He showed, in a few words, that it is not sufficient to throw together a few incidents that are to be met with in every romance, and that to dazzle the spectator the thought should be new, without being farfetched; frequently sublime, but always natural; the author should have a thorough knowledge of the human heart and make it speak properly; he should be a complete poet, without showing an affectation of it in any of the characters of his piece; he should be a perfect master of his language, speak it with all its pruity and with the utmost harmony, and yet so as not to make the sense a slave to the rhyme. Whoever, added he, neglects any one of these rules, though he may write two or three tragedies with tolerable success, will never be reckoned in the number of good authors.
Summary
This quote emphasizes the importance of skill and artistry in storytelling. It suggests that simply including common elements found in every romance is not enough to captivate an audience. To truly impress, the writer should introduce fresh and imaginative concepts, maintaining a balance between grandeur and authenticity. A deep understanding of human nature should inform the characters' dialogue and actions. The writer should strive to be a competent poet without forcing affected language onto the characters. Language should be used eloquently and harmoniously but not at the expense of conveying the intended meaning. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may prevent recognition as a truly talented author.
By Voltaire
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