Important Lessons To Improve Your Writing from Horace’s “ars poetica”
Reading the classics
Writing is a craft, that is open to all manner of styles, and all writers are at liberty to choose, the best form of conveying messages.
So, when I began writing, I proud myself on lofty words, such that I was hailed and clapped, for being like Wole Soyinka;
Soyinka, the first African man to win the Nobel Prize for literature, is indeed my icon, but what I failed to understand was that, while he was applauded for his diction, I was losing my readers for grandiloquence.
Writers must realize that, what works for some, is not meant for all. And writers must as a matter of style, choose their audience appropriately.
So, in my classics, I found Quintus Horatius Flaccus, known as Horace, and his “ars poetica”.
Horace, a Roman poet, philosopher, and literary critic, lived from 65 BCE to 8 BCE. “Ars Poetica,” also known as “The Art of Poetry,” is a didactic poem, written to serve as a guide to the principles and techniques of poetry.
Poetry, as my professor would say, should not be understood as a mare poem, but as all forms of creative writing. So, I implore you to see poetry, as literature in general.
One would love to ask, how is “Ars Poetica” important to us today. Hey, it is. Many have written, and more will write, but knowledge is in the past.
(1). Unity of Art:
here, we find the ultimate rule, that must be abide by all writers, it suggests that a poem should have a consistent theme, tone, and style; this will effectively convey its message.
(2). Purpose and Pleasure:
“It pleases, and instructs, if you mix the useful with the sweet.“ Says Horace. This implies that poets should strike a balance between entertainment and instruction. By mixing the “useful” (instruction), with the “sweet” (pleasure), poets will engage readers emotionally; while imparting valuable knowledge.
(3). Beginnings and Endings:
According to Horace, “A good beginning makes a good end.” Horace’s statement highlights, the significance of crafting strong openings, and conclusions in poetry. A compelling beginning will capture the reader’s attention, and a satisfying conclusion leaves a lasting impression.
(4). Verisimilitude:
we are equally told that “Invent nothing, mix nothing. That is the unbreakable rule.” Horace’s stress on avoiding invention and mixing highlights his belief in the importance of verisimilitude; creating works that are true to life, grounded in reality. This ensures that the poem remains believable and relatable.
(5). Poetic License and Rules:
“Sometimes too, in certain places, you should let down your sails, and pay out the oars, as it were, with your hands.” There are moments when writers, can deviate from strict rules. He likens it to sailing, where sometimes poets can let go of rigid guidelines and navigate with a more flexible approach.
(6). Avoiding Didacticism:
I found this very important, “To hide away serious teachings in amusing writings is the wisdom of the poets.” Writers are advised, against overly didactic poetry, and recommend embedding moral lessons within entertaining narratives. This style, allows readers to learn while being engaged, without feeling like they are being preached to.
(7). Variety in Expression:
Writers as a matter of aesthetics, should use a variety of literary techniques, to keep the reader engaged. “To paint a man, you need a man who feels and suffers. To portray a hero, you need a hero.” Here, writers are encouraged of empathy, and authenticity, in portraying characters. He suggests that to effectively depict emotions and qualities, writers should understand and relate to the experiences; of the characters they are creating.
(8). Editing and Revising:
“Before you send your work out into the world, you should have tested its weight as carefully as a merchant checks the gold.” In this age of technology, editing and refining have been made easier. Just as a merchant ensures the quality of gold, writers should meticulously review their works, to ensure its excellence and effectiveness.
I believe that, no one knows it all, and that before you break a rule, you must know that rule. So, reading different works does not only perfect you, it makes you a master of the craft.
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