1. Early Poetry
Early poetry predates writing and includes some of the earliest known examples of literature. Primitive cultures often used orality (oral stories) as their form of expression, to pass down stories and wisdom from one generation to the next. Poetry was a way of crystallizing certain thought processes and impressions into memorable form. It was an artistic, creative form of expression and revealed to the listener or reader the inner thoughts and feelings of the poet.
Evidence of poetic form can be seen as far back as 3200 BC in ancient Sumerian tablets, which contain popular epic stories like the Gilgamesh epic and poems like the Inanna songs, appearing in both Akkadian (Babylonian/Assyrian) and Sumerian versions. The ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead, written around the 16th century BC, is a compilation of prayers, spells and funerary texts, containing medical and magical information as well as poetry.
The pre-Columbian civilizations of the Aztecs displayed many kinds of poetry, from simple to complex. The most complex forms of poetry were reserved for nobles and scholars, while the simpler forms were for the general public. Different types of poetry included old hymns called “huehuetlatolli”, songs about war and words of lament.
2. Ancient Greek Poetry
Ancient Greek literature and philosophy are particularly significant when it comes to exploring the origin and evolution of poetry. Historical texts and poems of classical antiquity, such as the works of Homer, Hesiod and the tragedians, reveal a tremendous variety of styles, techniques and themes.
The most renowned poets of this era were Homer, Pindar and Sappho. Homer wrote two monumental poem cycles, the Iliad and the Odyssey, both of which displayed his immense talent for creating memorable characters, gripping stories and beautiful language. Pindar was renowned for his hymns and his victory odes, praising the achievements of ancestral kings and leaders. Sappho is recognized as one of the greatest female poets of ancient Greece. Her literary works highlighted the joys and sorrows of love, sex, marriage and religion.
3. Early Chinese Poetry
Early Chinese poetry dates back to the 11th century BC and is closely related to their philosophical tradition. Old Chinese poetry was written in two forms, in the first “Xiaojing”, which were short and typically concerned with love, and the “Grand form”, which were longer and more philosophical in nature.
The Book of Songs is considered to be the oldest collection in Chinese literature and is made up of 305 poems, organized into five main parts. The main themes of the poems are love, marriage, ritual and worship. The use of tones, patterns and rhyme was a key factor in the composition of these poems.
The great Tang poet Li Bai wrote poems of a remarkably varied nature, ranging from intense love poems and landscapes to poems of musing and philosophy. Li Bai was also known for his lyrical genius, combining the simple and direct language of the common people with the profound metaphors of the scholar.
4. Indian Poetry
Indian poetry has a long and distinguished history, spanning thousands of years and drawing on numerous religious, mythological and philosophical traditions. The Rigveda and the Atharvaveda are some of the oldest surviving texts in Indian literature, and they both consist of hymns, mantras, accretions and prayers to the gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon.
The two epics, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, are often seen as the high-water marks of Indian poetry. The works of classical Sanskrit poets such as Kalidasa, Bharavi, Magha and Bhartrihari are also important examples of Indian poetry.
Modern Indian poetry is a diverse genre, which encompasses the work of poets from various backgrounds and representing various languages. This includes the poetry of Rabindranath Tagore, who was a Nobel Laureate, as well as poets such as Nissim Ezekiel and Kaifi Azmi.
5. Poetry in the Age of Romanticism
The period between the late 18th and early 19th century saw a revival in poetic expression known as the “Age of Romanticism”. Poets such as William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and John Keats focused on nature, emotion and subjectivity, returning to the mystical and the spiritual after a period of logical and rational thinking in the preceding Enlightenment period.
Their works displayed a mastery of the use of imagery and their language was often conveyed with power and passion. The American Transcendentalists, such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, followed this trend, challenging every form of authority and conventional thinking.
6. Twentieth Century Literary Developments
The early 20th century was a period of intense experimentation and experimentation in literature, with modernist poets such as T. S. Eliot and Ezra Pound drastically altering the course of the poetry with their radical use of language and form.
The middle of the century saw the emergence of the ‘Beat’ poets, who rejected mainstream society and focused on the inner self and the beauty of everyday life. Later, during the 1970s and 1980s, poets like Anne Sexton and Sylvia Plath explored the darker side of human experience, using personal narrative, myth and symbolism in powerful and resonant ways.
Poetry in the 21st century continues to evolve with poets exploring new themes and ideas as well as drawing on older traditions for inspiration. Poets such as Warsan Shire, Hollie McNish and Rupi Kaur are just some of the modern poets who are crafting beautiful and profound works.
7. Performance Poetry
Performance poetry is a style of poetry which blends spoken word and theatrical performance, and often incorporates elements of visual art, theatre and even music. This form of poetry is particularly popular and has become a vibrant part of the literature and culture of many countries.
Performance poetry dates back at least as far as ancient Rome, where professional verse writers were known as poetae recitativi. Over time this art form has been reinvented, with figures such as the Phillis Wheatley, to the modern day poets such as Maya Angelou and Saul Williams.
The movement has grown exponentially in the last few decades with the rise of digital technology, allowing the wider arts and literature community to appreciate and enjoy this form of literary expression. Hosts of open-mic nights and poetry slams have further aided in the resurgence of performance poetry.
8. Poetry and the Media
The media has been an important influence on poetry and the way in which poets communicate their ideas. Newspapers, TV, radio and the internet have been used to reach a wide audience and bring poetry to the masses. Social networking sites and other online spaces have allowed poets to share their work instantaneously and with relative ease.
Poetry competitions and events such as the National Poetry Day are other examples of how the media has been used to popularize poetry. These events seek to raise awareness of poetry and provide a platform for poets to showcase their work.
9. Poetry and Popular Culture
In recent years, poetry has become increasingly popular in popular culture and can be seen in diverse works such as rap, hip-hop and spoken word. Many of these poetic works deal with topics such as politics, society, love and relationships, drawing on a range of influences from street culture to high literature.
The growing popularity of these works has made poetry a more visible art form and has given a platform to a new generation of poets, who are able to express their thoughts and feelings through the medium of spoken word. The range of topics explored and the powerful emotions they evoke make this form of poetry a particularly engaging and dynamic one.
10. The Effects of Digital Technology on Poetry
Digital technology has had a significant effect on the evolution of poetry, from its use as an archive of literary works to its incorporation into popular media.
Perhaps the most significant impact has been on the way in which people read and write poetry. Poets have embraced digital media and technology, using them to enhance their works, increase the reach of their work, and create new forms of poetry that incorporate the visual medium. This has had the effect of making poetry more accessible and appreciated among the wider public.
Digital technology has also made it easier for poets to collaborate and communicate with each other, allowing them to discuss new ideas and create collaboratively. This has facilitated a more democratic and inclusive space for poets, in which anyone can express their ideas and experiences in a shared platform.
