“The ode lives upon the ideal, the epic upon the grandiose, the drama upon the real.”
- 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 ode lives upon the ideal, the epic upon the grandiose, the drama upon the real.”
Explanation
In this quote, Victor Hugo distinguishes between three different forms of poetry and literature—odes, epics, and dramas—each of which is defined by its relationship to different levels of reality. According to Hugo, the ode is concerned with the ideal, expressing lofty and abstract ideas, emotions, or visions that transcend everyday life. Odes often celebrate beauty, perfection, and the noble aspects of existence, focusing on what could be or what ought to be.
The epic, on the other hand, lives upon the grandiose, dealing with larger-than-life events, often historical or mythological, that are monumental in scale. The epic tells stories of great heroes, battles, and divine forces, capturing sweeping events and ideals on a grand scale, making the events themselves impressive and elevated.
Finally, the drama is rooted in the real, focusing on human experiences, emotions, and conflicts that are grounded in the realities of everyday life. Dramas explore the complexities of human nature, interpersonal relationships, and societal structures, bringing out the authenticity of lived experience.
Hugo’s words reflect his belief in the different ways that literature can engage with the human experience, from the ideal to the grand to the real, each form offering a unique perspective on life.
In modern terms, this quote highlights the various functions of different forms of art and literature—the ode as a celebration of idealism, the epic as a portrayal of grandeur, and the drama as a study of real, tangible human struggles. It suggests that each form has its own value in expressing different dimensions of human existence.
