The aim of poetry is to capture and present emotion and imagery in a way that often speaks to readers, conveying meaning through the structure, language, and rhythm of verse. Specifically, poets use language poetically, crafting metered speeches to emphasise certain words or phrases and to create an emotional intensification, a heightened sense of awareness. Thus, poetry becomes a tool for eloquent expression and storytelling, allowing artists to paint a picture of a moment or emotion.
The English Renaissance poet Sir Philip Sidney distinguished three kinds of poetry in his essay ‘An Apologie for Poetrie’. These three were moral, pastoral, and love poetry, and each has a different purpose and meaning. Sidney juxtaposed the three kinds of poetry to create an evaluation of poetry in general. He used moral poetry to contrast the other two, criticizing them and offering a caveat.
Moral poetry is a type of poetry which has a purpose of teaching and conveying moral values through literature. It speaks to the reader with a moral message, aiming to help the reader recognize a truth or moral position, inspiring them to become a better person by seeking out and following these truths. Poems of this type tend to run on the shorter side and cling to a singular, moral message. Sidney argued that poets should concentrate on moral, rather than other types of poetry, as it was “the best to use when all others are left undone”.
Pastoral poetry is a form of poetry that extols the natural beauty of the rural world. Featuring plenty of romantic imagery, this type of poetry celebrates a life in harmony with nature, though it is not limited to that. It can also be used in a cynical way, critiquing the human world from a rural perspective. Focus is mainly on descriptive aspects, as the mode of composition value is found in its lyrical use of words and its evocation of imagery. Pastoral poetry is a timeless kind of poetry, as it has proved to exist through the varied ages, and it features elements of both the Classical Greek and Latin periods.
Love poetry is the expression of passionate feelings and platonic emotions between a person and the object of their affection. It is usually devoted to a beloved or loved one and could be used as a form of romantic expression of feelings. Love poetry may also entail some witty use of language such as puns and double entendre as a way of creating an atmosphere of playfulness and respect between the poet and their subject. This kind of poetry deals with ideas of beauty and matters of the heart, with the intention of arousing a craving for love and understanding. According to Sidney , this type of poetry was “made for delight and daintynes” and to “feed the passions” of the reader.
Theme of Poetry
The underlying theme and purpose of poetry is to move, motivate, and inspire readers. Poetry also serves as a form of self-expression and being able to express and share emotion and feeling. By exploring the three kinds of poetry according to Sidney, we can see that there are plenty of possibilities in terms of what the art of poetry can do. Moral poetry tends to address the bigger picture, while pastoral and love poetry either takes a more specific or romantic look at life.
However, these rigid classifications of poetry are far from exhaustive. For example, there is no form of tragedy poetry specified by Sidney, even though it was a popular form of expression in Ancient Greece, or in the 17th century. As such, these three types of poetry are simply a starting point, and many other forms of poetry and style of expression exist.
Social recognition of Poetry
Over the years, poetry has become more and more accepted as a form of expression and communication within mainstream culture. This has allowed for the proliferation and broadening of perspective, lending credibility to the art-form and how poetry can take on more and more relevance in our day-to-day lives. Poems can bring attention to global issues, as well as being used in a more local context to spread messages of positivity, understanding, and progress.
With the use of the internet, more people now have access to poetry, which has democratized the medium and allowed more of a platform for budding poets to find their voice. While this may lead to a large influx of poorly-executed pieces, it also reveals a great deal of potential in many rising artists who use the medium to express their feelings and communicate with a broader audience, while championing creativity.
Education surrounding Poetry
As such, education is essential if poetry is to be understood and appreciated in the current era. Poets need to be aware of a few key elements if their pieces are to have a lasting impact and be able to capture the emotions of their intended audience. Above all, there needs to be genuine emotion and passion in the creation of a given poem, and a good grasp of diction, wordplay, and structuralism.
A knowledge of the three kinds of poetry according to Sidney, as well as the many other types of poetry that have emerged in subsequent years, is essential if poets are to understand the full scope of possible expression. Education surrounding poetry can also help to encourage a more empathetic response to the art-form, allowing poets the platform to showcase their genius.
Evolution of Poetry
Poetry has changed greatly over the years, drawing from a myriad of influences and creating a unique style of expression. Poetry has evolved from a basic form of expression to a full art-form, and in the current state of technology and digital accessibility, it is easier than ever to explore and create poetry. With worldwide recognition of poets such as Maya Angelou, James Weldon Johnson, and Robert Frost, the scope of the art has widened to encompass the magnificent range of emotions and intentions poets wish to portray in their work.
Moreover, the emergence of different interpretations and new forms of poetry have allowed both established and budding poets alike to understand the nuances of the art form. Today, poetry has become more accessible, allowing many to explore the various forms of writing and expression, exploring themes and topics that may have been deemed infeasible in the past. Thus, the evolution of poetry is a testament to its powerful resonance in our lives.
Effect of Poetry on Society
Poetry has the power to evoke emotion, thought, and feeling in its readers, allowing them to explore themes and stories from varied perspectives. Not only does it allow readers to better understand the nuances of life, but it also forces them to confront accepted norms and beliefs. By providing a safe space for discourse and exploration, poetry has come to be a powerful tool for combating ignorance, bigotry, and oppression. It has become a way for people to express their views on matters where previously there had been none and to break free from oppressive societal constraints.
Poetry has become a way of inspiring change and enlightenment, prompting readers to question the status quo and push for progress. By presenting complex issues in a more accessible way, via poetry and art, poets have become effective ambassadors in disseminating messages and championing causes that may have been ignored by the masses. Thus, poetry has become a way of fostering understanding, connection, and unity both on a personal and a global level.
Debunking myths surrounding Poetry
On the other side of the spectrum, there still exists a lot of misconceptions when it comes to poetry. Many people wrongly regard poetry as something far too complex and intellectual, something they cannot relate to. However, this false assumption only serves to hinder people’s exploration of the art form and prevent them from experiencing the legacy and potential of the expression.
Poetry is not as hard to comprehend as perceived, and with the right method of education, people can come to enjoy and appreciate the craft, appreciating the way poetry breathes life and meaning into words. Paired with the right instruction, poetry can be an eye-opening and fulfilling experience, shifting our perceptions and understanding of the world.
Preserving Poetry for future generations
In order to truly appreciate the importance of poetry, we must be sure to preserve it, ensuring that we pass down the beauty and understanding of theartform to our children, as well as build upon the legacy that was left behind by the great writers of the past.
This is not only just beneficial to us on a personal level but it is also beneficial to theliterary community, which relies on its past works to build and create even more beautiful pieces. Poetry thus has the potential to be an everlasting form of expression and can become even more meaningful when it is preserved and honored throughout the generations.
