text: what does the expression "poetic largess" mean? i know the word largess is a generous bestowal of a gift. it carries a kind of negative connotation with it though. i assume it means some kind of poetic language that is meant to edify a person but is actually condescending. is that correct?. yes, thats correct. a "let them eat cake" moment.  usually giving council or advice to an inferior rather pompously (knowingly or not). prospero in hamlet is a good example--grandly lecturing everyone under the sun.