What Elements Do You Need in a Poem?

Although there are many forms of poetry, all with different guidelines, there are certain elements that can be found in all poems.

There are many types of poetry used to express the feelings or convey the thoughts of the author. Each type is defined by its own guidelines for how it is to be constructed and how it should flow to the reader. Regardless of the form that you find poetry in, it will contain the same structural elements. These elements are known as the line, couplet and strophe, also referred to as stanza. One or a combination of these are used.

Lines in Poetry

Lines not only determine how the poem will look but also how the poem will read.

Lines are comprised of a series of words used in a single row. Where each line ends, before the next line begins is referred to as the line break. Using the line in an effective way can change the entire affect on the reader. Lines breaks used in the right way can impact the pace, mood, rhythm, tone, sound and meaning. It allows the poet to put emphasis where it is needed and to guide the reader in how the poem was intended to flow.

Couplets in Poetry

Shakespeare was known to use couplets to conclude sonnets.

Couplets are easily identified in poetry. Couplets are made up of two lines that share a common end rhyme. Couplets often introduce and complete a thought all at the same time. Couplets are commonly found in Shakespearean literature. Couplets are also used at the end of sonnets to conclude an idea and have been known as "closing couplets."

Strophe in Poetry

Strophe is another element found in poetry. Strophe is a Greek word meaning, "a twist, or to turn or to turn about." Several lines or verses grouped together to define a distinct section of the poem is what is referred to as strophe. It is commonly used in free verse poetry because it does not follow any consistent rhythmic patterns or meter. Sometimes strophe is used as a synonym to stanza, although they are different.

Stanza in Poetry

People often use stanza and strophe interchangeably due to the nature of their construction and their function in the poem. Like strophe, a stanza is a group of verses that can be very structured or can be used without order in a free verse form. Stanzas are usually grouped in a manner that creates division in the poem for the reader. The stanza will typically share a certain rhythm scheme, meter or set length. This makes it easy to identify in larger poems.

References

• Types of Poetry
• Effectiveness of Lines in Poetry
• Couplet Types
• Strophe