Meaning: This quote by John Drinkwater about Edgar Allan Poe's perspective on long poems provides insight into the structure and composition of poetry. To fully understand the significance of this quote, it is essential to explore both the context of the statement and the literary background of the individuals involved.

Edgar Allan Poe, a renowned American writer, poet, and literary critic, is often celebrated for his contributions to the development of the short story and his mastery of gothic and macabre themes. However, Poe was also an influential figure in the realm of poetry. His critical writings on poetry, including his famous essay "The Philosophy of Composition," offered valuable insights into the craft of verse.

In his essay, Poe discusses the importance of unity of effect in a literary work and emphasizes the significance of brevity in poetry. He argues that a poem should be designed to be read in one sitting and that its length should be directly related to the intensity of the emotional or intellectual response it aims to evoke. This perspective aligns with Drinkwater's assertion that "a long poem is a sequence of short ones."

By interpreting a long poem as a series of interconnected shorter poems, Poe's approach to poetic composition emphasizes the idea that each stanza or section within a longer work should possess its own distinct rhythm, imagery, and impact. This concept reflects a fundamental aspect of poetic structure and allows for a more nuanced understanding of the intricate relationship between form and content in poetry.

Furthermore, the notion of a long poem being composed of shorter ones underscores the idea that each section contributes to the overall thematic and emotional progression of the work. Just as individual movements in a musical composition combine to create a unified symphony, the segments of a long poem should coalesce to form a cohesive and meaningful whole.

It is also worth considering the broader implications of this quote within the context of poetic theory and practice. The concept of a long poem being a sequence of short ones highlights the versatility and flexibility of poetic form. It suggests that poets have the freedom to experiment with various structural elements, including stanza length, rhyme scheme, and meter, while still maintaining a sense of coherence and purpose within a longer work.

Moreover, this perspective invites readers and scholars to engage with long poems in a more dynamic and interactive manner. By recognizing the individuality and significance of each "short" poem within a longer piece, audiences are encouraged to appreciate the nuances and complexities of the poetic journey as it unfolds across multiple sections.

In conclusion, John Drinkwater's quote regarding Poe's view of long poems as sequences of short ones offers a thought-provoking insight into the nature of poetic composition and the interconnectedness of individual poetic elements. It prompts a reconsideration of the traditional understanding of long-form poetry and encourages a deeper appreciation for the multifaceted structure and thematic unity that underlie extended poetic works. Through this lens, readers and poets alike can gain a richer understanding of the artistry and craftsmanship involved in creating and interpreting long poems.