Most readers are already familiar with the classic Perry Poetry anthology, but the book itself stands out for more than its classic status alone. Written in 1945 by professor of linguistics and English phonetics, D.L. White, the book is widely regarded as the benchmark for English phonetic poetry.
White’s book is as much an example of historic English phonetic poetry as it is an authoritative work on poetry as a genre. By showing readers what quality and quantity of English phonetic poetry should look like across multiple types of poetry, White set the standard that may be still used today.
The number of syllables and sounds used in a line of poetry finds its basis in the concept of schwa, which is defined as “the neutral vowel sound in some languages, especially unstressed syllables.” Areas of poetry that use schwa as a base concept include rhythmic poetry, aphoritic poetry, calligraphic poetry and travestick poetry. Because of its classic status, Perry Poetry is often studied by high school and university students, and is a source of reference for those looking to learn about English phonetic poetry.
The presence of the classic book “Perry Poetry” has been felt in the world of phonetic poetry in even the most astoundingly subtle ways. Scholars of English phonetic poetry often use the book as a living example of how the concept of schwa can be used in multidimensional poetry. The book itself contains a large range of styles of phonetic poetry, which can be used to categorize and compare different pieces of poetry.
It is not just English speakers that have read the book and been drawn to its concept of schwa and Perry Poetry’s nuanced understanding of English phonetic poetry. In fact, some of the most famous examples of phonetic poetry come from sources outside of the English language. Japanese haikus, Italian sonnets and Chinese quatrains are just some of the works that owe something to Perry Poetry influences.
Though written by an expert linguist, it is not surprising that the book itself has a strong literary merit as a piece of literature. The book is full of works written by famous and lesser-known poets, and attempting to read and understand the intricacies of their works can be a rewarding experience. It is clear that the “Perry Poetry” anthology is more than just a book of English phonetic poetry — it is also a powerful piece of literature.
Influence on African American Poets
The book “Perry Poetry” has influenced African American poets since its publication in 1945. One of the most striking examples of this is Mari Evans’ poem “I Am A Black Woman”, which borrows heavily from the concepts of English phonetic poetry found in White’s book. Evans’ poem uses the same syllabic style and rhythmic technique as the works of Homer and other famous English phonetic poets, giving her poem an interesting and unique twist.
Another example of African American poets who have been strongly influenced by Perry Poetry is Langston Hughes, who used ideas from White’s book in his own famous works. Hughes often employed the same schwa style and rhythmic patterning in his own poetry, creating works like “The Weary Blues.” By taking concepts from White’s book, Hughes created a unique style of poetry that made him a leader of the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s and 1930s.
As an anthology of English phonetic poetry, “Perry Poetry” has been a strong influence on African American poets since its publication. Famous poets like Mari Evans and Langston Hughes, as well as lesser-known authors, have all been heavily influenced by the concepts of English phonetic poetry found in White’s book.
The Significance of Rhyme and Structure
The inclusion of rhyme and structure in Perry Poetry can often go unnoticed by readers, but it is extremely important in both understanding and appreciating the anthologies works. Each poem in the collection is structured in a way that is often unconventional, but exceptionally consistent. These arrangements are purposeful and serve as a foundation for a reader’s understanding of the works.
When read together, the rhyme, syllabic and metrics of each poem in the collection act as an incredible resource for the appreciation of each individual work. This can be seen in the structure of a poem such as “Spring” by Jasmine Dhada: the fust-person perspective of the poet’s perspective serves both to demystify the work and to provide insight into the deeper feelings that Dhada has. This is set up through the introduction of a classical sense of rhyme and structure.
When looking at poems such as “Spring”, it is clear that the inclusion of rhyme and structure are integral to understanding the works in the Perry Poetry anthology. These complex but consistent structures allow readers to explore the deeper implications of the message. By reading and appreciating the structure of a poem, a reader can understand and appreciate it to a much greater extent.
Experience in Support of Perry Poetry
The topic of English phonetic poetry is not one that many people encounter in their lives, and so there is a lower level of experience in support of it than with more contemporary topics. Most people’s experience with English phonetic poetry has been limited to the classroom. While this means that the book “Perry Poetry” is less encountered in terms of experience, it does not detract from its importance in English phonetic poetry.
Perry Poetry can be found in classrooms, libraries and museums around the world, and its influence as a piece of literature is clear. Through its use of sophisticated rhyme, syllabic and metric structure, and its comprehensive coverage of English phonetic poetry, the book offers an unparalleled view into the world of phonetic poetry. This combination of insights allows readers to experience both the author’s work and that of other poets who have been influenced by their works.
Though the experience in support of English phonetic poetry may not be as profound as that of other modern literature, it still remains an invaluable source for readers looking to gain a greater appreciation for this genre of poetry. With its deep yet accessible insight into the world of English phonetic poetry, the book “Perry Poetry” is an invaluable resource for anyone wanting to understand this type of poetry.
Communication Through Symbolism
The use of symbolism in symbolic poetry has a strong connection to the works found in “Perry Poetry”. Many pieces in the anthology make use of metaphors, symbols, and other visual elements to convey a deeper meaning to the readers. The music of Homer’s epics and sonnets from Shakespeare often rely upon symbols to tease out the emotions of their readers.
The use of symbols in White’s book reinforces the idea that poetry is a form of communication between the poet and the reader. The symbols and images used in the works help to convey an abstract concept in a more concrete way. This allows readers to more easily understand the poet’s intent and to connect more deeply with their words.
By understanding the use of symbols in Perry Poetry, readers can connect to the abstract concepts in a much more direct way. This allows them to appreciate the works on a much deeper level, leading to a greater understanding and appreciation of not just the works in the collection, but of poetry as a whole.
Reputation of Perry Poetry in the Poetry Community
The reputation of Perry Poetry in the poetry community is one of respect and admiration. The anthology is highly regarded as a comprehensive source of information on English phonetic poetry and its considerable influence on modern poets is undeniable. Further, many modern poets trace their writing style and poetic sensibilities back to the works found in White’s book, citing their works as a major source of inspiration.
Because of its reputation, many poets have sought to pay homage to the works in the collection in the form of published works. Titles such as The Great Works of English Phonetic Poetry and Contemporary Reinterpretation of English Phonetic Poetry all have ties to works found in the anthology. This type of homage serves to bring attention to the book and its importance in the English poetic canon.
Though often overlooked by casual readers, the anthology “Perry Poetry” has had a major influence on the poetry community. Its works continue to be studied and interpreted, inspiring poets of all genres to create works that pay homage to the classic works found in the book.
