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Key Points from the Text on Major Genres in Textual Studies from AN INTRODUCTION TO LITERARY STUDIES (Second edition) by Mario Klarer// 2 MAJOR GENRES IN TEXTUAL STUDIES// 2 Poetry pp 27 to 43

Key Points from the Text on Major Genres in Textual Studies–Poetry

Poetry:

  • Definition: Difficult to define, often distinguished from prose by elements like verse, rhyme, and meter.

  • Historical context: One of the oldest literary genres, with origins in ancient Greek literature.

  • Relationship with music: Etymologically linked to the "lyra" (lyre or harp), suggesting an origin in music.

  • Subgenres: Narrative poetry (epic, romance, ballad) and lyric poetry (shorter, focused on events, impressions, or ideas).


Key Elements of Poetry:

  • Lexical-thematic dimension:

    • Speaker: The voice or persona through which the poem is expressed.

    • Theme: The central idea or message.

    • Concrete language: Uses imagery and objects to convey abstract themes.

    • Symbolism: Objects or images with deeper meanings.

    • Rhetorical figures: Stylistic devices like simile, metaphor, and alliteration.

  • Visual dimension:

    • Imagery: Creation of vivid mental pictures.

    • Concrete poetry: Poems that emphasize visual appearance.

  • Rhythmic-acoustic dimension:

    • Sound and tone: The use of words to create a specific sound or atmosphere.

    • Meter: The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables.

    • Rhyme: The repetition of sounds at the end of words.

    • Stanzas: Groups of lines.

Interdependence:

  • Unity: The elements of poetry are often interconnected, working together to create a unified effect.

  • Experimental poetry: May abandon traditional structures in favor of "open forms."

Conclusion:

Poetry is a diverse genre with a rich history. Its key elements include the lexical-thematic, visual, and rhythmic-acoustic dimensions. While traditional poetry often strives for unity and concrete language, experimental poetry can challenge these conventions.

References: Klarer, M. (2005). An Introduction to Literary Studies. Routledge.

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