“I need scarcely observe that a poem deserves its title only inasmuch as it excites, by elevating the soul. The value of the poem is in the ratio of this elevating excitement.”
- January 19, 1809 – October 7, 1849
- American
- Novelist, poet, critic
- A pioneer of Gothic and detective novels, he wrote works such as “The Black Cat,” “The Fall of the House of Usher,” and “The Murders in the Rue Morgue.”
Quote
“I need scarcely observe that a poem deserves its title only inasmuch as it excites, by elevating the soul. The value of the poem is in the ratio of this elevating excitement.”
Explanation
In this quote, Edgar Allan Poe argues that the true measure of a poem’s worth lies in its ability to elevate the soul, meaning that a poem’s value is determined by how it can inspire, move, or transcend the reader’s emotions and thoughts. Poe emphasizes that poetry should not merely be about form or structure; it should stir a deep emotional response that lifts the reader beyond ordinary experience. The phrase “excites, by elevating the soul” suggests that the poem’s power comes from its ability to reach into the human spirit and transform it, creating a connection between the artist and the audience. For Poe, a poem’s success is directly tied to how effectively it elicits this kind of emotional transcendence.
Poe was a master of the emotional impact of poetry, and he often wrote with the goal of invoking a specific mood or feeling in his readers. His poems, such as “The Raven” or “Annabel Lee,” are renowned for their ability to evoke intense emotions—be it grief, love, or mystery. In his view, poetry is not just about words on a page, but about creating a mental and emotional experience that resonates deeply with the reader. The Romantic movement, to which Poe belonged, placed great emphasis on individual expression and the spiritual dimension of art, believing that true art should have the ability to move the soul.
In modern terms, this quote reminds us that the true value of poetry and art lies not in technical achievement or superficial recognition, but in the power to stir emotions and inspire reflection. Today, in a world full of digital distractions and superficial engagement with media, the idea that a poem’s worth is in the emotional experience it provides can be a reminder of the transformative and elevating power of true art. Whether through literature, music, or other art forms, the most impactful works are often those that leave us with a lasting emotional impression—those that elevate us, challenge us, or move us beyond the ordinary into the realm of the sublime.
