Overview
This lecture introduces the concept of "shape" in poetry, examining how visual and spatial elements on the page contribute to a poem's meaning and emotional impact.
Elements of Poetry
- The five essential elements of poetry are shape, line, music, comparison, and balance.
- Previous lectures covered the four components of a text: author, reader, form, and topic.
- This lecture focuses on the form element, specifically the visual and spatial shape of poetry.
Aspects of Shape in Poetry
- The shape of a poem includes image, length, regularity/irregularity, open space, stanza, and width.
- Image: A poem's visual pattern can mirror its subject, enhancing meaning.
- Length: Short poems may seem more inviting, while long poems allow for deeper exploration.
- Regularity/Irregularity: Consistent shapes create unity; irregular shapes can reflect tone or theme.
- Open Space: The white space surrounding a poem frames it and affects emotional reception.
- Stanza: Stanzas are repeated units often used to structure different ideas or actions.
- Width: Narrow poems can feel approachable, while wider ones may seem heavier or more substantial.
Examples from the Lecture
- "Old Geezer" by A.R. Ammons uses a descending shape to mirror its subject of quickness and acceptance.
- Ezra Pound's "In a Station of the Metro" uses brevity and visual impact similar to haiku.
- Ruth Stone's "Train Ride" employs length to represent ongoing debate and contemplation.
- Regular shaped poems like Ammons’ "Reflective" reinforce mirroring themes; irregular shapes like Paget’s "The Joke" support casual tone and serious content.
- Issa’s haiku uses white space to evoke distance and scale, balancing large and small.
- Stanza usage is demonstrated in William Stafford’s "Listening" (three four-line stanzas) and Ammons’ "Clarifications" (one sentence in five stanzas).
- Width is illustrated with Ryan’s thin "The Niagara River" (reflecting a river's narrowness) versus Stafford’s wide "It's All Right" (symbolizing emotional weight).
Visual Impact and Mindfulness
- Poetic shape unconsciously influences readers’ willingness to engage.
- Attending to a poem’s visual/spatial form can enhance mindfulness and attention in life.
- Poets intentionally use visual presentation as part of their artistic communication.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Shape — The visual form a poem takes on the page, impacting its interpretation.
- Stanza — A unit or "paragraph" of lines within a poem, often repeated.
- Open space — The white or empty area around and between the poem's text, framing its content.
- Regularity/Irregularity — Consistency or inconsistency in a poem’s visual form.
- Width — The horizontal span of a poem, contributing to its emotional tone.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review your notes and the lecture to reinforce understanding of shape in poetry.
- Prepare for the upcoming reflection assignment by considering how spatial elements affect your reading experience.
- Email Dr. Musgrove with any questions or concerns about the material.