“The drama is complete poetry. The ode and the epic contain it only in germ; it contains both of them in a state of high development, and epitomizes both.”
- February 26, 1802 – May 22, 1885
- Born in France
- Author, poet, playwright
- Written novels and poems such as “Les Miserables” and “Notre-Dame de Paris,” he was a representative figure of French Romantic literature and had a worldwide influence.
Quote
“The drama is complete poetry. The ode and the epic contain it only in germ; it contains both of them in a state of high development, and epitomizes both.”
Explanation
In this quote, Victor Hugo is describing the drama as the most mature and complete form of poetry. He argues that while other poetic forms such as the ode (a type of lyrical poem) and the epic (a long narrative poem about heroic deeds) contain the seeds of dramatic expression, the drama fully develops those seeds into a more dynamic and all-encompassing art form. In a drama, the emotions, ideas, and actions that are found in the ode and the epic are brought to life through performance, where poetry is not just read or recited, but embodied by actors and experienced by an audience in a way that gives it a unique vibrancy and immediacy.
Hugo’s words reflect his belief in the evolution of artistic forms and the idea that drama, by combining the narrative depth of the epic with the emotional and lyrical qualities of the ode, represents the highest expression of poetry. Drama, in its most developed form, is able to capture the full range of human experience—both the external events and the internal struggles—in a way that poetry alone cannot.
In modern terms, this quote speaks to the idea that drama is the culmination of poetic expression. It integrates the storytelling aspect of the epic with the emotional depth of the ode, elevating both forms through performance and interaction. It encourages an appreciation for how dramatic arts bring poetry to life, combining both the narrative and lyrical elements into a powerful living experience that speaks to the heart and mind of the audience.
