Intro to Poetry
Poetry is a form of writing that is traditionally composed of words and sounds. It has been used to create literary works since at least the 6th century BC and has since grown in popularity. Writing poetry is an art form that allows an individual to express their feelings, ideas and thoughts in a creative way. Often, this art form is expressed through rhythm.
What is Rhythm?
Rhythm can be defined as a regular or repeated pattern of sounds or movement. It is a common element of music, dance, poetry and other forms of literature. In poetry, rhythm can take the form of rhyme, meter and syllabic patterns. Each of these elements help create a unique and recognizable style of writing.
Why is Rhythm Used in Poetry
Rhythm is often used in poetry for two main reasons; it creates a captivating sound, and it emphasizes the ideas expressed in the poem.
The sound of the poem helps to draw readers in, as the rhythm is something that people can relate to and understand. It helps to create a captivating experience for readers and helps them to connect more deeply with the poem.
In addition to creating a pleasant sound, rhythm helps to emphasize the ideas expressed in a poem. The words become more powerful, as the rhythm helps to convey certain feelings or emotions. Words can have a stronger impact due to the rhythm they are written in, which further enhances the message of the poem.
Types of Poetic Rhythm
The most commonly used type of rhythmic pattern in a poem is called meter. Meter is a poetic device which involves alternating stressed and unstressed syllables while reading the poem out loud. Through this type of pattern, a poem will sound consistent and rhythmic, allowing the reader to become enthralled in the poem.
Other types of poetic rhythm include syllabic patterns and rhyme. Syllabic patterns are when the poet has a consistent amount of syllables for each line in the poem. For example, if the poet wanted each line in the poem to be written with five syllables, then each line would have to be written out with five syllables.
Rhyme is another form of rhythm which involves the repetition of similar sounds at the end of each line. Rhyme emphasizes certain words and phrases and can further aid in delivering emotion and imagery to readers.
Rhythm and Poetic Conventions
In addition to creating an interesting sound and emphasizing a message, rhythm can also help to keep a poem within certain poetic conventions. For example, a poet may want to adhere to the tradition of writing a sonnet. In this case, having a specific rhythm can help poets to keep the poem in a certain style and frame.
A more modern example can be seen in hip-hop. In this case, the rhythm of a poem is used to fit a particular beat or tempo. The rhythm can even be used to help create a rhythm-like flow in the poem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, rhythm is an important aspect of poetry. It can create a captivating sound, emphasize the ideas expressed in the poem, help to keep a poem within certain poetic conventions and can even be used to create a rhythm-like flow in the poem. Rhythm is an important aspect to consider when writing a poem, as it can take the poem to the next level and make it a truly great work of art.
