Hazlitt's Definition of Poetry

The question asks to identify the author of a specific quote about poetry. The quote emphasizes that poetry is fundamental to life itself, not merely a writing style.

The quote reads: "Poetry is not a branch of authorship: it is 'the stuff of which one life is made'. The rest is 'mere oblivion', a dead letter: for all that is worth remembering in life, is the poetry of it."

Attribution of the Quote

This profound statement defining poetry's significance in human experience is attributed to the renowned English critic and essayist, William Hazlitt.

Identifying the Author

• The quote highlights poetry as the essence of life, distinguishing it from the technical act of authorship.
• William Hazlitt, a key figure in English Romanticism, frequently explored the nature of art, literature, and human feeling in his essays.
• His writings often delve into the emotional and experiential aspects of life, making him a likely author for such a sentiment.
• Comparing the quote's style and thematic focus with known works confirms its origin with Hazlitt.

Therefore, William Hazlitt is the author of the given quote.