Modern Poetry

Introduction

Changes in modern literature took a diversion from traditional canons. Poetry, although has stricter parameters that direct its performance (for example rhyme, rhythm...etc), also became a field of experimentation as well.

Questions for discussion: - What do we mean by a free verse? - How does the modern poetry mirror the 1920’s?

 

 

 

 

The Modern Poetry Major Characteristic

a. By neglecting standardisation that controlled the literary domain, Modern poetry has become characterised by simple language, everyday used words, and even dialects.

b. Despite the simplicity of the language; it is sophisticated.

c. Modern poetry echoes the pessimism that spread after the WWI.

d. Alienation and disillusionment are two governing themes of the new age poetry.

e. Reading modern poetry depends on perception rather than typical interpretation. One poem means different things to different people. It is interested in the subjective not the objective human experience.

f. Reading poetry has become a reader centred activity rather than author centred job.

g. Modern poetry has become experimental. Poets adopted new techniques to be able to converse the new age complexities.

h. It is ambiguous.

j. It is psychological.

k. In terms of style, modernist poets were interested in best poetry of the past (for example the Greek and the Italian).

l. They became interested in the metaphysical experiences and conceits.

m. Despair became the modern fashion and spirituality was the key.

n. Poetry changed in form and content with: open poetic form- free verse- unconventional use of metaphors- fragmented narratives- multiple point of view use- dislocation of meaning- ironic tone.

o. Modern music impacted modern poetry in terms of language and theme. 

Conclusion

The poetry of the modern age reflected the Western world collapse. This collapse effected poetry in content and form. Style, syntax, diction, and themes have become dominated by modernism scepticism and universalism.