statement (lines 1,2)
the english language is the richest in poetry
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qualification of statement (lines 3-10)
this doesn't mean that England has produced the greatest poets or amount of poetry.
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clarification (lines 11-14)
English is the richest language for poetry because it has the largest vocabulary.
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supporting statement +examples(lines 14-29)
This richness is due to the variety of elements  of which English is made of:
a) Germanic foundation
b) Scandinavian element
c) Norman French element
d) French influences
e) Words conied from Latin
f) The Celtic
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first restatement (lines 41-44)
English is a good language for poetry because it is derived from so many linguistic sources.
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second restatement(lines 44-48)
England has not necessarily produced the greatest poets.
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statement +examples(lines 49-51)
It is generally thought that the greatest peoples excel in one art.
Examples:
a) Italy and France in painting
b) Germany in music
c) England in poetry
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refutation + example(lines 52-68)
This is not correct because:
 a) no art has ever been the exclusive possession of  any one country in Europe
b) there were periods in which some other country had major influence in poetry
Example: in the final years of 18th century English poetry dominated, but in the 2nd half of 19 th century the greatest contribution to English poetry was made in France.
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further refutation +examples (lines 68-76) 
A nation which leads in a particular art form in a  particular period does not necessarily produce the greatest artists. Example: the total work of Goethe has a range which makes him a greater man, but an English contemporary such Wordsworth can't enter into comparison with Goethe.
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statement(lines 77-86) 
No European nation would have accomplished what it has, as far as culture is concerned, if other countries had not developed the same art forms.
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statement (lines 86-99)
The ability of European literature to renew itself depends on two factors:
a) ability to receive and assimilate influences from abroad
b) every literature must have some sources which are particularly its own



Annalisa Pez