Paper
It is difficult to have a single definition of poetry that fits all its varying
structures, styles, and subject material. A typical dictionary might define
poetry as literary composition written in verse with meaning. This simple
definition only characterizes poetry on the surface, but there is so much more
to poetry than just words. One can never define poetry, however one can make an
attempt to describe its properties, function, and characteristics as clearly as
possible.
Poetry is an ancient mode of expression. Even before the development of
writing, primitive societies achieved poetic interpretations of their religious,
historical, and cultural awareness and handed them down to the next generation
in hymns, incantations, and narrative poems. Among the many different forms of
human expression, poetry has always had a distinctive place. It has always stood
apart from all other forms of literature. It is the basis of every branch of
literary and artistic expression. That is why we say that novels, paintings,
musical compositions and films are poetic. Some modern poets claim that poetry
is a way to access the individual and collective unconscious experience of life.
A poem may serve a purpose, such as sharing an emotion, teaching a lesson,
commenting on society, describing a mood, or conveying any other theme the
author wishes. Several authors have written poems giving their own definitions
of poetry to expand on that of the dictionary.
Poets use language to express and communicate an idea: to make it tangible in a
form that can be shared. In The Death of the Ball Turret Gunner, Randall
Jarrell illustrates a very grim idea with the last line, When I died they washed
me out of the turret with a hose. (720). This line expresses the idea of a very
apathetic end to a wasted life. If one is dealing with similar ideas and
perspectives, conventional forms of language may not be sufficient to express
these new ideas as emphatically. That is why poetry has evolved and taken so
many different linguistic forms over the centuries.
Poetry may be distinguished from prose literature in terms of form by its
smaller size, by its frequent use of meter and rhyme, by its dependence on the
line as a formal unit, by its heightened vocabulary, and by its freedom of
syntax. There is also somewhat of a freedom of word order to present a visual
image as poets such as e.e.cummings frequently do. There is also a radical
distinction between the emotion felt from reading a story and the emotions
stimulated by poetry; the former is derived from incident, the latter from the
representation of feeling. In poetry, the source of the emotion is the
exhibition of human sensibility; in prose, the source is merely a series of
outward circumstances. The combination of these two is what renders an author
like Shakespeare so generally engaging, each reader finding in him what is
suitable to their own taste. To the many he is great as a storyteller and to
many others he is a master poet.
The object of poetry is to act upon the emotions. The characteristic emotional
content of poetry finds expression through a variety of techniques, from direct
description to highly personalized symbolism. One of the oldest and most common
of these techniques is the use of metaphor and simile to alter and expand the
reader’s imagination through implied or clear comparison. Rainer Maria Rilke
presents a good example in lines six and seven of The Panther.
?the movement of his powerful soft strides / is like a ritual dance?(767)
Thus, by conjuring up pictures or images and by invoking different kinds of
associations, the poet elicits his own feeling and consciousness in others.
Another thing that differentiates the poet from other writers is not only the
focus on mode but on language itself. Thus, poetry can also be described as the
art of language. One significant way that authors exhibit this art is through
the use of imagery, which is basically language that triggers your mind to
recall and combine images. It compels the reader to fuse together old and new
memories or mental pictures of sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and sensations of
touch. Imagery draws the reader into poetic experiences by touching on images
the reader already knows. In the poem The Fish, Elizabeth Bishop writes, ?his
brown skin hung in strips? (682) in line ten and,?until everything was rainbow,
rainbow, rainbow! (684) in line 75. By using such vivid imagery, Bishop tries to
draw the reader into imagining and becoming a part of the experience that is
being described.
In conclusion, it is my firm belief that while the meaning or definition of
poetry can be discussed, debated, and analyzed, it cannot be understood in
concrete terms. As individuals, we all try to find echoes and correspondences in
the world beyond ourselves, seeking a sign, a direction, a purpose; poetry is a
sharing, a way of helping ourselves and each other cope with an often
bewildering existence. In its shared traditions we find that we are not alone
in our quest to find meaning in our lives. In a world full of unknowns and
secrets, poetry becomes a means of survival, a way of coping. Through poetry,
one learns to deal with change, to come to terms with joy and grief, and to
celebrate the wonder still to be found in the extraordinary energy of daily
life. Because of this aspect alone, poetry cannot be limited by definitions. It
cannot be communicated or fathomed other than by the use of poetry itself.
Gregory D. Corbitt
Works Cited
Meyer, Michael, ed. The Bedford Introduction to Literature: Reading, Thinking,
Writing. 5th ed. Boston: Bedford / St. Martin?s, 1999
Bishop, Elizabeth. ?The Fish.? Meyer 682-684.
Jarrell, Randall. ?The Death of the Ball Turret Gunner.? Meyer 720.
Rilke, Rainer Maria. ?The Panther.? Meyer 767.
Другие работы по теме:
Langston Hughes And His Significance As A
Black American And As A Poet. Essay, Research Paper Langston Hughes was famous for his poetry, which helped to fuel the civil rights movement. His poetry also earned him fame but he still seemed to remain financially disabled. He didn’t get much recognition for his poetry until after he died.
Milton To Pope Essay Research Paper In
Milton To Pope Essay, Research Paper In this essay I will attempt to contrast the type of society that would create a Milton to a society that would create a Pope. Although you may be able to
Rimbaud Essay Research Paper Part II
Rimbaud Essay, Research Paper Part II A man so confused and confusing as Arthur Rimbaud, it is a wonder that he can even be analyzed, critiqued, and judged by his literary works. Never the less it has been done, however how accurate can they be, when even Rimbaud said in his Lettre Du Voyant that for the I is someone else.
Poem Du Fu Essay Research Paper It
Poem: Du Fu Essay, Research Paper It is often contended that the greatest and most important works of Chinese poetry was produced during the Tang dynasty. Many critics consider Du Fu to be the greatest Chinese poet during the dynasty and quite possibly of all time. His unique style and mastery of Chinese language is unparalleled.
Poetry In The Media Essay Research Paper
“If i were an oscar meyer wiener, everyone woulb be in love with me!” Slogans, jingles and songs such as these one are catching the eyes and ears of people today. Throughout the years poerty has become a dominant component in today’s advertisemnt world because commercials are such vital pieces of television and poetry has become a larger part of today’s society. commercials with poetry are superior to commercials without poetry because they are more delightful to listen to and watch, they are easily remembered and also poetry says everything in a much more condensed meaning.
The Renaissance Period Essay Research Paper The
The Renaissance Period Essay, Research Paper The Renaissance period is a rebirth of the cultured and artistic sprite of the classical era. It began in Italy in the 14th century, but did not come the England till the 19th century. John Donne and John Milton were two great Renaissance poets who incorporated many of the characteristics of the Renaissance into their Poetry.
An Analytical Definition Of Philosophia Essay Research
Paper Men and women have tried for years to define Philosophy. One particularly interesting attempt was made by Martin Heidegger in the late 8th Century. He is reported as saying to his good friend and lover, Patrick Hurley, “Philosophy is one large search for the being-upon another and one long journey into the being-inside.” In this sense, Philosophy is best understand as a search.
Bronte Poem Essay Research Paper
‘Night’ (by Anne Bronte) The Bronte sisters had a very agonizing life, which is beautifully portrayed through their poetry. One of the main reasons why their poetry is so effective is because
Poetry Comparative Essay Research Paper POETRY COMPARATIVESince
Poetry Comparative Essay, Research Paper POETRY COMPARATIVE Since the beginning of the world, humankind always wondered why they were what they were, and tried to define the peculiar dream they were in. This dream was called life. It was found similar to a great deal of things, which were mostly completely opposite to each other.
Ts Eliot
’s View On Poe Essay, Research Paper Cats Meets The Raven What is an author? What does it matter who is speaking? These questions posed by Michel Foucault lead the reader of his essay in many directions and to multitudes of questions. The ideas presented in T.S. Eliot s essay From Poe to Valery illustrate three different ways of examining Poe, his work, and also the influence of his work.
Dose Poetry Matter Essay Research Paper Does
Dose Poetry Matter Essay, Research Paper Does Poetry Matter? To me poetry does not matter. I do not like poetry because a poem is just a passage that contains a hidden meaning and I can never figure out what a poem is about. If poetry was not around then authors would just come out and say what they wanted to say . Their thoughts would not get confused and people would not miss the meaning that the author is trying to get across.
Chinese Poetry Essay Research Paper Although the
Chinese Poetry Essay, Research Paper Although the Chinese poetry I encountered was relatively short, their significant was not at all compromised. It did not matter that these poems were written hundreds of years ago they felt relevant to me. They reminded me of what should be a priority of life, finding inner peace.
The Scarlet Letter Puritans Vs Hester
Essay, Research Paper The Letter A is a mark of punishment and humiliation. However , Hester Prynne carries the symbol upon her with a very different out look than the puritans intended. Hester and the Puritans both have strong feelings for this Scarlet Letter but both will not come to terms and define a universal meaning for this strong symbol.
Criminal Justice Essay Research Paper In this
Criminal Justice Essay, Research Paper In this paper I will attempt to explain how the United States Criminal Justice System and Ireland has some different characteristics. They both share some of the same practices in each system. I will give a brief history of both countries and the way their system works.
John Donne Essay Research Paper Although the
John Donne Essay, Research Paper Although the main focus of many of his poems is death, Donne’s ego seems to steal the spotlight. In Holy Sonnet 10, he manages to defend humankind against death, possibly because he feels he cannot be defeated by God. As with most themes in his work, however, he often changes his opinion, leaving a confused reader to attempt to find his real belief about death.
Marvell Vs Herrick Essay Research Paper Corretta
Marvell Vs Herrick Essay, Research Paper Corretta Sanders Poetry Essay Englis 1302 Instructor Mize Herrick vs. Marvell “To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time” by Rober Herrick and Andrew Marvell’s “To His Coy Mistress” have many similarities and differences. The tone of the speakers, the audience each poem is directed to, and the theme make up some of the literary elements that help fit this description.
Herrick Vs Marvell Essay Research Paper Corretta
Herrick Vs Marvell Essay, Research Paper Corretta Sanders Poetry Essay Englis 1302 Instructor Mize Herrick vs. Marvell ?To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time? by Rober Herrick and Andrew Marvell?s ?To His Coy Mistress? have many similarities and differences. The tone of the speakers, the audience each poem is directed to, and the theme make up some of the literary elements that help fit this description.
The Aeneid
– Summary Essay, Research Paper The Aeneid – Summary The Aeneid begins and ends with parallels to the Iliad, inviting us to consider Virgil’s poetry in light of Homer’s. The Aeneid is both a tribute to the Homeric style–by imitating it–and an attempt to better it. And perhaps, Virgil is not quite being fair to himself when he invites that comparison; Virgil does not have the Iliad’s tragic irony, and Aeneas is not as powerful a main character as Achilles.
Poetics Essay Research Paper The subject of
Poetics Essay, Research Paper The subject of the Poetics is poetry, including epic poetry, tragedy and comedy. Unlike Plato, Aristotle regards poetry as a techne. The practice of poetry is governed by rules; these rules can be formulated and taught. Poetry is rationally comprehensible.
Success Essay Research Paper SuccessWhen we define
Success Essay, Research Paper Success When we define at the word success, there are many meaning to it depending on how you look at it. But when we narrow it down, we can defined it as accomplishing a certain goal.
What Is Poetry Essay Research Paper According
What Is Poetry Essay, Research Paper According to Webster’s Dictionary, poetry is defined as “writing that formulates a concentrated imaginative awareness of experience in language chosen and arranged to create a specific emotional response through meaning, sound, and rhythm.” While this is the technical definition of poetry many writers attempted to further describe what poetry is.
Whitman Essay Research Paper In my opinion
Whitman Essay, Research Paper In my opinion the poet which best exemplifies modernism is Walt Whitman. Walt Whitman?s stylistic preference is not exactly mine, but it is definitely a good example of ?modern poetry.? He has broken down many walls of traditional poetry, using the style of long, free verse prose.
Special Relativity Essay Research Paper ESPECIALLY 2
Special Relativity Essay, Research Paper ESPECIALLY … … of Hardy’s Poems as Seen through the characters” is a study concerning Hardy’s capability of presenting irony of situation in his poetry. The analysis deals …
Robert Frost Essay Research Paper Through his
Robert Frost Essay, Research Paper Through his poetry, Robert Frost gave the world a window to view the world. He give us poems that define hope and happiness to poems of profound gloom, but no matter the mood all of Robert Frost s poems explain the nature of living.
Poetry And Love Essay Research Paper I
Poetry And Love Essay, Research Paper I never believed that life could be so strange. Now, I am sure that there is no stranger than life. I never believed in love, at least on Hollywood style. Now, I am living a love story. I know it sounds contradictory, but I fell in love with a man whom I never met. I fell in love with a man on the Internet.
William Wordsworth Essay Research Paper Wordsworths Way
William Wordsworth Essay, Research Paper Wordsworth?s Way of Explaining His Past ?William Wordsworth, English poet, one of the post accomplished and influential of England?s romantic poets, whose theories and style created a new tradition in poetry ? ( Microsoft Encarta 1). Wordsworth began writing poetry when he was still in school, but it wasn?t until 1793 that any of his poems were published. ?Wordsworth?s political and intellectual sympathies underwent a transformation after 1800.
Scholarship Essay Essay Research Paper No greater
Scholarship Essay Essay, Research Paper No greater contribution can be made to a specific field than research that leads to the development of a new and superior technology. Universities and businesses constantly attempt to remain on the cutting edge of new design, manufacturing, and application systems through research and development.
Poetry Research Paper Essay Research Paper Poetry
Poetry Research Paper Essay, Research Paper Poetry can both broaden and intesify an experience9…0 it can also illuminate, clarify, and deepen an occurence in a way a reader never considered.9…0poetry communicates expereince by appealing to both the thoughts and feelings of its reader.Poetry demands total response from the individual-all the intellect, senses, emotion, and imaginaTION. (CL)
Poetry And Definition Essay Research Paper
“Poetry is to Prose as dancing is to walking.” Poetry is simply defined by the Webster’s Dictionary as “Metrical writing”, or “Composition in verse”. Literally, a fitting definition, but to the poet, an insult to the work. Simplicity is often considered the enemy to many poets. Poetry is a piece of writing with meaning, poetry can be set out in many different formats, and does not necessarily need to make complete sense.
Youth And Poetry Essay Research Paper Youth
Youth And Poetry Essay, Research Paper Youth and Poetry Poetry by definition is the art of writing that shows more imagination and deep feeling that ordinary speech. Poetry is a set of sensual words with deep meaning, but for some reason young people do not appreciate it. Hugh Maclennan states, “For without poetry these youths were poor.
What Is Poetry Essay Research Paper I
What Is Poetry? Essay, Research Paper I think poetry is a part of everyone. It can express fellings and emotion. Some people write poems to express their feelings or just because they like and
Transendentalism In Emerson
’s Poetry Essay, Research Paper Ralph Waldo Emerson always considered himself a poet despite his many volumes of Essays and other works. Therefore this essay only deals with Emerson s poetry. Emerson told a lot with his prose but he told more with his poetry. Often, fundamental aspects of transcendentalism are shown through literary devices in his poetry.
Gene Mutation Essay Research Paper Define Gene
Gene Mutation Essay, Research Paper Define Gene Mutation A change in the base sequence of a gene Outline the difference between an insertion and a deletion Explain the consequence of a base substitution mutation in relation to the