Statement (lines 1-2)
The English language is the richest for poetry

Qualification of statement (lines 3-10)
This doesn't mean that England has produced the greatest poets or amount of poetry.

Clarification (lines 11-14)
English is the richest language for poetry because it has the largest vocabulary.

Supporting +statement examples (lines 14-29)
This richness is due to the variety of elements of which English is made of.

1. the Germanic foundation, the element that Elliot and the listener have in common
2. the Norman French elements, come after Norman conquest by William the Conqueror in 1066
3. Scandinavian elements, "sons" of Danish's conquest
4. French influences, during different periods
5. the Celtic language, not only for the words but also for the rhythms
6. In conclusion, some elements of Greek and Latin world

 

Further clarification (lines 29-40)
The English language is also rich in its rhythmic variety. The elements are:
1. early Saxon verse
2. the Norman French rhythm
3. the studies of Greek and Latin poetry
4. the musicality of Celtic.

 

First restatement (lines 41-44)
English is a good language for poetry because it's derived from many linguistic sources.

 

Second restatement (lines 44-48)
England has not necessarily produced the greatest poets.

 

Statement + examples (lines 49-51)
It is generally thought that the greatest peoples excel in one art.

Examples
1. Italy and French in painting
2. German in music
3. England in poetry

 

Refutation + examples (lines 52-68)

1. there have been periods in which some other country than England has done poetry better as during the second part of 19th century when starts the movement with Baudelaire or Valery.
2. When appears on the stage a poet like Goethe or Edgar Allan Poe.

Further refutation + example (lines 68-76)
A nation which leads in particular art form in a particular period does not necessarily produce the greatest artists, example.
England during the Romantic Age.

 

 

Statement:

No European nation would have accomplished what it has, as far as culture is concerned, if other countries had not developed the same forms.
Statement (lines 86-99)
The ability of European literature to renew itself depends on two factors:
1. its ability to receive and assimilate influences from abroad
2. its ability to go back and learn on its own sources.