The role of poetry in literature is highly contested, yet it seems certain that its unique language enables the expression of an imaginative and powerful range of emotions. A question often arises – does poetry have to be grammatically correct? Some would argue that the creative license accorded to poets would render adherence to the rules of grammar superfluous. However, the vast majority of poets and poets-in-training advocate a more nuanced view of this debate.
At the heart of this argument lies the question of how to reconcile apparently contrary tendencies – traditional rules on one side and the inherent expressiveness of poetic language on the other. Grammatical correctness has predominance over artistic licence in certain types of poetic writing, particularly those belonging to literary circles or being produced for publication. ‘Meter’ or in other words the fixed rhythm of verses, relies heavily on the principles of grammar – thus, in this case, going beyond its purposes of stylistic refinement or making a poem easier to understand could spoil its structure, defeating in an indirect way its main purpose.
On the other side of the argument are many poets who argue that strict grammar constricts the creativity of the poet. For example, in free verse poetry, the attempt to insert grammatically complete sentences in an otherwise vague flow of words and thoughts is seen as a hindrance to the innate lyricism of the form. Even slang is often used by poets, much to the dismay of grammar-lovers.
It should also be noted that poetic style is highly personal and hence no absolute ruling should be laid down as to what constitutes right and wrong. For veteran poets, a perhaps the best way to find the answer to the question of whether a poem should be grammatically correct or not is to ask oneself what felt most comfortable while writing it. After all, there isn’t much point in producing a work of art if the creative drive is hampered by external rules.
In spite of the polarized views, it is widely acknowledged that as with every other kind of writing, there is certain latitude to experiment with the rules when it comes to poetry. After all, poetry is about self-expression, and it is up to the poet to decide the degree of freedom of expression they personal style allows for.
Readability
Readability is another aspect of this debate and is simply defined as how easy or difficult it is to read and understand the poem. Too much focus on grammar can lead to a piece of poetic expression which fails to reach its target audience as comprehensibly as it should. If a poem is too complex, then the reader often requires more familiarity with the subject matter or basic language to fully understand it.
At the same time, however, there is value in a grammatically correct poem written with fluency. The lack of jarring errors, inevitably resulting in a seemingly effortless reading experience, can help the reader to become absorbed in the writing, allowing them to make a more meaningful connection with the poet.
Grammar and Poetry
In conclusion, it could be argued that poetry does not have to be grammatically correct, however, the deliberate use of traditional grammar rules and techniques should be incorporated into a poem when desired. Grammar can be utilized with poetic techniques to enhance the creative expression, enabling the reader to see nuance or gain an additional understanding of the intention or message of the writer. This will ensure that the poem is readable and can be understood, avoiding any ambiguity.
Rhetorical Devices
Rhetorical devices are often used in poetry in order to enhance the writing, making the form more captivating by carefully using language to strengthen the composition. Examples of these can include the use of alliteration, assonance, parallelism, and personification. These tools are often underplayed in terms of their importance and power to influence how a poem reads and sounds.
In order to maximize their impact, it is important to use these devices in a way which is not jarring to the flow of the piece. The beauty of written poetry is that the reader can read the piece without consciously engaging with grammar, however the correct use of rhetoric can greatly improve the reader’s experience, conveying message in a way which would not be achievable with any other form of expression.
Poetic Devices
In addition to rhetorical devices, poets often employ a number of certain poetic devices to create a unique and often powerful style of writing. These technical devices include elements such as repetition and meter, which uplift the poem to create the desired atmosphere or reinforce key points. Such techniques are commonly used in many contemporary forms of poetry, be it lyrical or storytelling.
Furthermore, poets can use various techniques such as onomatopoeia and alliteration to combine elements of sound within their work which can be rhythmically pleasing. This adds to the atmosphere and experience of the poem, enabling readers to imagine the sound of the words being spoken, rather than simply being a series of words on the page.
Responses to Poetry
Poetry can be a powerful medium for conveying a range of emotions. Depending on the style of the poem, the reader’s response to the situation or narrative can change dramatically, with the tone and mood of the work enhancing the connection between the poet and the reader. Whether the poem is structured to a metrical pattern, a poetic form, or another style, the language, illocutionary force, and emotion of the piece can be felt and understood more deeply by a reader.
Furthermore, if a poem is written to be grammatically correct, then this serves as a signal of authorship to the reader as the rules and conventions of grammar highlight the legitimacy of a poem and its adherence to literary norms. These signals can help create trust and an enhanced level of reader involvement, increasing the reader’s understanding of the poem.
End Rhymes
The use of end rhymes is a traditional poetic structure for creating a sense of order in a poem and for making it easier to recall the content. End rhymes are used in nearly all forms of poetry, from sonnets to rap, as well as non-verse forms. They can be used to create an atmosphere of playfulness and humour, which is often helpful for conveying a message.
At the same time, end rhymes are sometimes seen as too structured and constraining. It can be argued that the regular use of end rhymes constrains the poet’s ability to express themselves realistically, resulting in a degree of phoniness in the written poem. Such constraints, while at times useful, can also limit the poet’s ability to communicate the full range of their emotions.
Structure
Finally, it is worth noting that the poem’s structure also has a great impact on how it is read and perceived. The structure of a poem usually consists of the title, stanzas and running lines, which for most readers create an expectation to be fulfilled. The general impression of the poem depends heavily on the overall reading structure and the use of grammatical correctness.
A poem with a defined structure, especially one extending beyond a line or two, is expected to have a degree of grammatical correctness, even if it is minimal. If a poem does not adhere to grammar rules in any way, the reader may find it confusing and thus detract from the overall reading experience.
