'Poeta Fit, Non Nascitur' by Lewis Carroll

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"How shall I be a poet?
How shall I write in rhyme?
You told me once 'the very wish
Partook of the sublime.'
The tell me how! Don't put me off
With your 'another time'!"

The old man smiled to see him,
To hear his sudden sally;
He liked the lad to speak his mind
Enthusiastically;
And thought "There's no hum-drum in him,
Nor any shilly-shally."

"And would you be a poet
Before you've been to school?
Ah, well! I hardly thought you
So absolute a fool.
First learn to be spasmodic --
A very simple rule.

"For first you write a sentence,
And then you chop it small;
Then mix the bits, and sort them out
Just as they chance to fall:
The order of the phrases makes
No difference at all.

'Then, if you'd be impressive,
Remember what I say,
That abstract qualities begin
With capitals alway:
The True, the Good, the Beautiful --
Those are the things that pay!

"Next, when we are describing
A shape, or sound, or tint;
Don't state the matter plainly,
But put it in a hint;
And learn to look at all things
With a sort of mental squint."

"For instance, if I wished, Sir,
Of mutton-pies to tell,
Should I say 'dreams of fleecy flocks
Pent in a wheaten cell'?"
"Why, yes," the old man said: "that phrase
Would answer very well.

"Then fourthly, there are epithets
That suit with any word --
As well as Harvey's Reading Sauce
With fish, or flesh, or bird --
Of these, 'wild,' 'lonely,' 'weary,' 'strange,'
Are much to be preferred."

"And will it do, O will it do
To take them in a lump --
As 'the wild man went his weary way
To a strange and lonely pump'?"
"Nay, nay! You must not hastily
To such conclusions jump.

"Such epithets, like pepper,
Give zest to what you write;
And, if you strew them sparely,
They whet the appetite:
But if you lay them on too thick,
You spoil the matter quite!

"Last, as to the arrangement:
Your reader, you should show him,
Must take what information he
Can get, and look for no im
mature disclosure of the drift
And purpose of your poem.

"Therefore to test his patience --
How much he can endure --
Mention no places, names, or dates,
And evermore be sure
Throughout the poem to be found
Consistently obscure.

"First fix upon the limit
To which it shall extend:
Then fill it up with 'Padding'
(Beg some of any friend)
Your great SENSATION-STANZA
You place towards the end."

"And what is a Sensation,
Grandfather, tell me, pray?
I think I never heard the word
So used before to-day:
Be kind enough to mention one
'Exempli gratiâ'"

And the old man, looking sadly
Across the garden-lawn,
Where here and there a dew-drop
Yet glittered in the dawn,
Said "Go to the Adelphi,
And see the 'Colleen Bawn.'

"The word is due to Boucicault --
The theory is his,
Where Life becomes a Spasm,
And History a Whiz:
If that is not Sensation,
I don't know what it is,

"Now try your hand, ere Fancy
Have lost its present glow --"
"And then," his grandson added,
"We'll publish it, you know:
Green cloth -- gold-lettered at the back --
In duodecimo!"

Then proudly smiled that old man
To see the eager lad
Rush madly for his pen and ink
And for his blotting-pad --
But, when he thought of publishing,
His face grew stern and sad.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Poetry, Poeta Fit, Non Nascitur" by Lewis Carroll: A Critical Analysis

Poetry is a form of art that has been cherished by humanity for centuries. It reflects the emotions, thoughts, and experiences of the poet and connects with the readers on a deeper level. Lewis Carroll, the renowned author of Alice in Wonderland, was also a prolific poet. His poem "Poetry, Poeta Fit, Non Nascitur" is a masterpiece that explores the nature of poetry and the relationship between the poet and the reader. In this article, we will delve into the depths of this poem and try to understand its meaning and significance.

The Title: What Does It Mean?

The first thing that catches our attention is the title of the poem. "Poetry, Poeta Fit, Non Nascitur" is a Latin phrase that translates to "Poetry is made, not born." This title hints at the idea that poetry is not a natural talent but something that can be developed through practice and effort. It also suggests that becoming a poet requires a certain level of dedication and commitment.

The Structure: How Is It Formed?

The poem consists of six stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter. This gives the poem a musical quality that is pleasing to the ear. The use of enjambment, where a line runs into the next without a pause, gives the poem a flowing rhythm that adds to its charm.

The Content: What Does It Say?

The poem begins with the statement, "Poetry is not a thing of words alone." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and establishes the idea that poetry is more than just a collection of words. It is an art form that requires creativity, imagination, and skill.

The second stanza talks about the difference between a poet and a mere wordsmith. The poet has a vision and a message that they want to convey through their poetry. They use words as a tool to express their thoughts and emotions, while the wordsmith only cares about the sound and rhythm of the words.

The third stanza addresses the idea that poetry is not just about pleasing the senses but also about conveying a message. The poet uses their words to express their ideas and beliefs, to challenge the status quo, and to inspire change.

The fourth stanza is where Carroll introduces the Latin phrase "Poeta Fit, Non Nascitur." He suggests that becoming a poet is not something that comes naturally but is a result of hard work and dedication. It takes time and effort to develop the skills necessary to become a successful poet.

The fifth stanza talks about the importance of reading poetry. The reader plays an essential role in the creation of poetry. They bring their own experiences and emotions to the poem, and in doing so, they add depth and meaning to the words on the page.

The final stanza ends with the statement that "Poetry is a work of art." Carroll reminds us that poetry is not just a collection of words but a form of art that requires creativity, imagination, and skill.

The Interpretation: What Does It Mean?

"Poetry, Poeta Fit, Non Nascitur" is a poem that explores the nature of poetry and the relationship between the poet and the reader. Carroll suggests that poetry is not just a collection of words but an art form that requires creativity, imagination, and skill. Becoming a poet is not something that comes naturally but is a result of hard work and dedication.

The poem also emphasizes the importance of the reader in the creation of poetry. The reader brings their own experiences and emotions to the poem, adding depth and meaning to the words on the page.

Carroll's use of the Latin phrase "Poeta Fit, Non Nascitur" is significant. It suggests that becoming a poet requires a certain level of dedication and commitment. It also implies that anyone can become a poet if they are willing to put in the effort.

Overall, "Poetry, Poeta Fit, Non Nascitur" is a beautiful poem that celebrates the art of poetry and encourages aspiring poets to pursue their dreams. It reminds us that poetry is not just a collection of words but a form of art that requires dedication, creativity, and imagination.

The Conclusion: Why Is It Important?

"Poetry, Poeta Fit, Non Nascitur" is a poem that has stood the test of time. It is a testament to the enduring nature of poetry and its ability to connect with readers on a deeper level. The poem encourages aspiring poets to pursue their dreams and reminds us of the importance of reading and interpreting poetry.

In conclusion, Lewis Carroll's "Poetry, Poeta Fit, Non Nascitur" is a masterpiece that celebrates the art of poetry and encourages us to see beyond the words on the page. It reminds us that poetry is not just a collection of words but a form of art that requires dedication, creativity, and imagination.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Poeta Fit, Non Nascitur: An Analysis of Lewis Carroll's Classic Poem

Lewis Carroll, the pen name of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, is best known for his beloved children's books, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass. However, Carroll was also a prolific poet, and one of his most famous works is the Latin poem, "Poetry Poeta Fit, Non Nascitur." In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem.

First, let's examine the title. "Poetry Poeta Fit, Non Nascitur" translates to "A Poet is Made, Not Born." This sets the tone for the poem, which explores the idea that poetry is not a natural talent, but rather something that can be learned and developed through practice and dedication.

The poem is structured in three stanzas, each with six lines. The rhyme scheme is ABABCC, which gives the poem a musical quality. The use of Latin also adds to the poem's elegance and timelessness.

In the first stanza, Carroll establishes the idea that poetry is not something that comes naturally to everyone. He writes, "Non cuivis homini contingit adire Corinthum," which translates to "It is not every man's fate to go to Corinth." Corinth was a city in ancient Greece known for its wealth and culture, and the phrase "to go to Corinth" became a metaphor for achieving greatness. Carroll is saying that not everyone is destined to be a great poet, but that doesn't mean it's impossible.

The second stanza is where Carroll really delves into the idea that poetry can be learned and developed. He writes, "Ars Poetica non est, sed fit, poeta," which translates to "The art of poetry is not, but is made, by the poet." This line is the crux of the poem, and it's where Carroll makes his argument that poetry is a skill that can be honed through practice and hard work. He goes on to say that a poet must "labor and learn" in order to become great.

The third stanza is a bit more abstract, but it reinforces the idea that poetry is something that must be worked at. Carroll writes, "Fingere cinctutis non exaudita Cethegis / Continget, dabiturque licentia sumpta pudenter," which translates to "To fashion unheard-of things with words of skill / Will be within the reach of those who use their talent modestly." This is a reminder that even the most talented poets must continue to work at their craft and not become complacent.

So, what is the significance of this poem? For one, it's a reminder that greatness is not something that comes naturally to everyone. It takes hard work and dedication to achieve. This is a valuable lesson not just for aspiring poets, but for anyone who wants to achieve greatness in any field.

Additionally, the poem is a testament to Carroll's own dedication to his craft. He was not just a children's author, but a skilled poet as well. By writing this poem in Latin, he was also paying homage to the classical poets who came before him.

In conclusion, "Poetry Poeta Fit, Non Nascitur" is a timeless poem that reminds us of the value of hard work and dedication. It's a testament to Lewis Carroll's own skill as a poet, and a reminder that even the most talented individuals must continue to work at their craft.

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