Two lectures introductory to the study of poetry

In these concise, early‑twentieth‑century lectures the speaker unpacks the elusive question of “what poetry is.” He begins by contrasting the complicated definitions offered by critics with the more immediate insights of poets, centering the discussion on Milton’s three guiding words: simple, sensuous, and passionate. Simplicity is presented as a kind of childlike sincerity that lets a poet see the world plainly, while sensuousness points to concrete, vivid images that bring birds, stars, or ancient heroes into everyday awareness.

The third quality, passion, is described not as any strong feeling but as a genuine, overflowing emotion directed toward a specific object. The lecturer illustrates how even fervent love or public indignation can fail to become poetry without the poet’s distinctive vision. By drawing on familiar examples and clear reasoning, the talks invite listeners to grasp how poetry balances honesty, tangible detail, and heartfelt intensity, offering a useful framework for both readers and aspiring writers.