Epic poetry exhibits life in some great symbolic attitude. It cannot strictly be said to symbolize life itself, but always some manner of life.

Certainly! Here’s an explanation of the quote with bolded keywords:

This quote by Lascelles Abercrombie discusses the nature of epic poetry and its relationship to life. Abercrombie suggests that epic poetry captures life through a great symbolic attitude, meaning it represents life not in a literal or direct way but through powerful symbols and themes that convey deeper meanings. Epic poetry does not symbolize all of life itself but rather some manner of life, focusing on particular values, struggles, or ideals.

By emphasizing symbolism, the quote highlights how epic poetry uses grand narratives, heroic characters, and dramatic events to express universal truths and human experiences in a stylized form. This symbolic approach allows epic poetry to communicate complex emotions and cultural ideals that resonate across time and place.

The origin of this quote comes from Abercrombie’s work as a poet and literary critic, where he explored the functions and forms of poetry. His insights reflect a broader understanding of how literature uses symbolism to capture aspects of the human condition without needing to replicate life exactly.

Overall, the quote emphasizes the power of epic poetry to embody life’s essence through symbolic representation, showing that art often conveys meaning by presenting life in a particular attitude or lens rather than as a direct mirror of reality.