Definition and Characteristics of poetry (Poems)

A poem (derived from Greek poiein) is a form of literary art in which language is used for its aesthetic and evocative qualities, in addition, its apparent meaning.

A poem is a piece of writing in which words are chosen for their sound and the image they suggest.

A poetry is a game in the sense that the poet plays with the meaning and music of words and readers respond to it by participating in that imaginative communication.

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Definition of poetry:

Poetry is a speaking picture with this end, to teach and delight.    -Sir Philip Sydney

Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings, recollected in tranquillity. -William Wordsworth

Poetry is something divine. -PB Shelly

Poetry is metrical composition. -Johnson

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Characteristics of poetry:

Poetry is the eldest of all literary genres. Beowulf is the first poetry in English literature with 3000 lines in it. It is a heroic poetry, a typical example of epic poetry.

Features:

i. Connotation:

In poetry, the ideas, feelings, thoughts of the author are not directly conveyed. Such ideas are conveyed through the use of images, symbols and figures of speech.

ii. Meditation:

Reading and understanding poetry makes everyone think seriously.

iii. Metrics:

Not modern poetry, but old poetry may use this feature of metrical composition such as metre, rhymes, rhythm and foot.

iv. Music:

Poetry has musical quality.

v. Aesthetic and didactic:

Poetry provides us entertainment and gives an instruction to the readers.

vi. Imagination and feelings:

It is said that poetry is the expression of imaginations. Hence, imagination and feelings are profoundly predominant.

vii. Visible shape:

Poetry has its own physical structure.

viii. Stanza form:

Poetry is written in stanzas such as couplets, triplets and quatrains.

ix. Playfully pleasant:

Poetry can please the heart of a reader.