Introduction
Many major poets throughout history have written their works in informal language, eschewing the complex and sophisticated speech of traditional prose in favour of something more cogent and direct. This can be seen in the work of Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, and many other greats. But which poet wrote his best works using informal language? Here, we will look at the work of several prominent poets who wrote their work in a more casual register and explore how this impacted the way we look at their art.
Walt Whitman
Perhaps the most famous poet to use informal language in his work is Walt Whitman. From the opening lines of his most accomplished work, the epic Leaves of Grass, Whitman’s revolutionary style is apparent. His work was filled with informal idioms and sweeping, grandiloquent language, offering a unique perspective on American culture. His use of colloquial language, rather than traditional classical language, helped to make his work accessible to a broader audience and created a poetic style that was instantly recognisable and influential.
Emily Dickinson
Another poet who wrote with a casual and informal approach was Emily Dickinson. Although her work was largely private and available to a smaller audience, she too wrote in a heavily informal and sometimes seemingly random style. Her choice to use everyday, often regional, language offered a new level of insight into the emotional dynamics of her life and allowed readers a more intimate connection to the poet and her work.
William Carlos Williams
William Carlos Williams is often credited with creating the concept of “free verse”, a poetic form that transcended the traditional meter and rhyme schemes of the past in favour of a looser, more fluid style of writing. Although this style was emancipated from traditional forms, it still kept the core elements of poetry –rhythm, cadence and imagery- at its heart. His use of easy, conversational syntax allowed his work to feel like a slice of everyday life and brought a level of openness and intimacy to his writing.
Robert Frost
Robert Frost was known for using language that was vivid and frank, often adopting a conversational tone as a means of expressing his thoughts without relying on byzantine poetic structure. The native New Englander relied heavily on personal experience, farming, and actual occurrences to construct his poetry, which was largely structured around the basic rhythms and cadences of the English language. His choice to use informal language not only created an identifiable sound to his work, but it also made his work more relatable by way of shared experiences and language.
Impact of Informal Language on Poetry
The impact of these poets’ choice to write in an informal language cannot be understated. By pushing the boundaries of poetry with their own words and thoughts, these poets helped to further legitimise the notion of poetry as a distinct and independent form that could transcend traditional boundaries and conventions. Their artistic courage changed the way people viewed and thought about poetry, and their works remain fundamental pieces of literature that are integral to our understanding of literature and the English language.
Contextualising Informal Language in Poetry
It’s important to consider the context of the times when these poets were writing in order to fully understand their use of informal language. During this period, the use of polite and classical language was favoured in literature, while colloquial language was thought of as uncouth and inappropriate. By openly and boldly embracing informal speech, these poets pushed the boundaries of what was considered appropriate and helped to break down the walls between high and low art.
Challenges Faced By Poets
Writing in informal language was not without its challenges. As we have seen, the use of colloquial language was not universally viewed in a positive light. Poets writing in this style had to navigate not only the difficult task of crafting a work that resonated with a contemporary audience, but also the added burden of doing so without falling into cliché or overstating their point.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the use of informal language by poets has been a feature of literature since its inception. By eschewing traditional poetic forms, these groundbreaking writers managed to create works that were entirely new and revolutionary, allowing them to inject a level of relatable insight into the language of poetry. The effects of their works are still felt today, and their works remain a testament to thought, courage and imagination.
