History
Poetry has been around for centuries, with many cultures throughout history making use of different forms and methods to express emotions and evoke feelings. Ancient Latin and Greek cultures were the birthplace of many early poetic styles, such as the epic, the lyric, and the ode. Additionally, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa each developed their own unique styles of poetry. Literature and art had a profound impact on popularising and preserving many of these ancient styles of writing even after their respective cultures had dissipated.
Types of Poetry
There are many different forms of poetry and each style serves a different purpose. Popular forms of contemporary poetry include the free verse, sonnet, haiku, and the ballad. The free verse is designed to evoke strong emotions and is generally considered to be the form of choice for more modern poets. The sonnet is a narrative poem that traditionally follows a rhyme scheme. Haikus are a type of poem that are usually composed of 17 syllables in three different lines of five, seven and five syllables respectively. Lastly, the ballad is a narrative poem that focuses on telling stories in a rhythmic, rhyming style.
Techniques
A good poetry handbook can provide poets with advice on the different techniques they can use to effectively craft their poems. These techniques may include alliteration, assonance, rhyme, metre, and enjambment. Alliteration is the repetition of the same sound used at the beginning of consecutive words. Assonance occurs when vowels within two or more words are repeated in a sequence even if the word does not begin with the same sound. Rhyme is used to create harmony and place emphasis on particular words. Metre measures sound patterns in poetry, it can be used to make a poem rhythmical and melodic. Enjambment breaks up lines in a poem and can give the poem a sense of flow and continuity.
Forms
Forms and conventions can help give a poem structure and definition. Poems generally follow a certain layout when it comes to formatting, this layout is called a form. A few popular poem forms include the sestina, the villanelle, and the ghazal. The sestina is composed of six six-line stanzas and a concluding tercet (three-line stanza). The villanelle is composed of six tercets and two quatrains with two repeating rhymes, and a refrain throughout. The ghazal is composed of two-line stanzas, with a repeated two-line refrain at the end of each stanza.
Inspiration
The best poetry handbooks provide readers with guidance and some solid advice on how to get inspired. Poetic inspiration can come from anywhere, such as a moment, an experience, or even a single phrase. Once inspired, poets can take some time to brainstorm ideas and even carry these ideas around in a notebook. Even something as simple as noticing a bird, tree or other small details around can bring about an unexpected poetic moment.
Criticism
Constructive criticism can be an important tool for any poet looking to improve their craft. A good poetry handbook should also include tips on how to politely and effectively respond to criticism as it plays an important role in taking one’s writing to the next level. It provides an opportunity for poets to step back and take an impartial look at their work from the reader’s perspective and make the necessary adjustments.
Resources
Poetic resources are essential for any aspiring poet looking to grow and develop their craft. A good poetry handbook should include a list of resources, such as poetry websites, magazines, and books, which can provide one with invaluable guidance, knowledge, and even connections with other poets. Additionally, it can help one find poetry writing contests, scholarships, and other opportunities.
Tools and Techniques
Good tools and techniques can make the poetry writing process a lot simpler and less intimidating. A good poetry handbook should provide tips and strategies on how to effectively craft a poem, how to use literary devices, how to critique and analyze the work of other poets, and how to use different tools and applications to take their poems to the next level. Good resources also exist that can help poets automate the search for rhymes, and resources that can help with formatting and publishing their work.
Sharing and Appreciation
Appreciation and recognition for one’s work is an important step for any poet in their journey. A good handbook should include advice on how to get one’s work out there and appreciated. Approaching magazines and poetry communities is a great way to gain a wider audience and valuable feedback from fellow poets can be essential in one’s development. Poets should also make sure to appreciate the work of other writers and poets as this helps create a community of support and recognition that is essential for any artist.
Consistency
Consistency is key for any poet looking to make their mark. A good handbook should include tips on how to keep a consistent practice and commitment to writing. This includes setting aside a specific amount of time every day to write even if it’s just jotting down ideas or poem fragments. Additionally, making use of resources and communities can be essential in keeping a regular habit of writing alive.
Confidence
Poets should also develop their confidence to make sure they are able to express their ideas and emotion in their work. A good handbook should include advice on how to boost one’s confidence as well as how to handle criticism in a positive and constructive manner. Additionally, it should provide advice on how to stay motivated and inspired even in challenging times.
Conclusion
From ancient Latin and Greek cultures to modern day poets, the practice of writing poetry is an art that has been enjoyed for centuries. With a good poetry handbook, one can not only learn about the history of the craft, but also develop the skill to better write, critique and appreciate the works of other poets. A valuable resource for any poet looking to hone their craft, a good handbook should include advice on how to stay inspired, gain confidence, and keep a consistent practice. Poetry handbooks are a must-have for any aspiring poet and can truly be the difference between a mediocre piece of work and a timeless masterpiece.
