Appreciating Classical Poetry & Prose

Classical poetry is not only intellectually stimulating but also emotionally rewarding, offering readers a profound connection to the past and a deeper understanding of the human experience. Many have made significant contributions to English literature and continue to be studied and admired for their enduring works. Drama and prose are essential forms of artistic expression, communication, and cultural exploration, enriching human experience and fostering empathy, understanding with the world.

In the suburbs
Small robin

Appreciation of Poetry
Poetry as a literary form aims to evoke an emotional response to the reader by its language selected for its meaning, sound, and rhythm. Rosetti is a poet I have selected to discuss. Her poetic style is one of spiritual depth, lyrical beauty, and emotional reverberance. She was an eminent English poet for her distinctive poetic style, demonstrating elements of literary traditions from Romantic and Victorian eras. Her work goes on to be celebrated for its evergreen themes and wonderful craftsmanship.

By contrast, Walt Whitman is a poet later emerging. His poetic style is one of innovative form, expansive themes and a strong sense of what it means to be human. His works continue to captivate readers by its beauty and depth, serving himself the title of only of the most influential 19th Century American poets.

Appreciation of Prose and Performance
Prose, in the world of literature, is any written work that adopts a basic grammatical structure. This differs from works of poetry that take on a metrical structure. They are essential forms of artistic expression, communication, and cultural exploration, helping us retouch with the world.

"Much Ado About Nothing" is a comedic play written by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written in 1598-1599. The play revolves around two pairs of lovers, Beatrice and Benedick, and Claudio and Hero. Set in the Sicilian city of Messina, the plot unfolds around the themes of love, deception, jealousy, and mistaken identity.

“The Importance of Being Earnest” takes the characters, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff to center stage, who all use the pseudonym "Ernest" to undertake romantic interests and participate in various adventures. Jack, who resides in the country, devises a fictitious brother named Ernest, whose so-called misbehavior calls for Jack's frequent trips to the city. Algernon, Jack's friend from London, also adopts the name Ernest when visiting the countryside to seek the favor of Jack's ward, Cecily Cardew.

So... Bring it to the Modern era!
Reading classical poetry connects us with the past, offering wisdom and comfort. Whether at home or on the go, a sonnet or epic can be enriching. Similarly, performing classical plays like those of Oscar Wilde bridges historical gaps, celebrating language and timeless artistry. So, step onto the stage - it’s truly rewarding!





Resources
(Article) Shakespeare Studies & Criticism
Oxford Academic hosts a wealth of research on Shakespeare, including critical essays, analyses, and historical context.

(Paper) Performance, Performativity, and the Medium of Poetry: W. B. Yeats’s “Among School Children”
Delve into the performative nature of poetry, drawing from performance theory and cultural techniques. Learn more about performance theory.

(Paper) Performing Poetry: Body, Place and Rhythm in the Poetry Performance
The collection of essays tackles the challenges posed by poetry performance to literary theory. Contributors from various disciplines explore new approaches and analytical categories for understanding poetry performance.



Last updated: 29/10/2024

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3 comments:

Monika said...

I love poetry. It brings something magical to my life and makes me stop and be in NOW! And yes, poetry from the past is a good way to slow my brain and enjoy what I am actually readying. I am trying to ready poetry to my children and they are actually very good. They ask very good questions after so it makes them think differently. Good post.

pradnya said...

I love poetry. It helps me to express what I feel. I still have a lot to learn about its nuances. Thanks for sharing this.

Marysa said...

I haven't read some good classical poetry in a while. It is nice to take some time to check out good poetry pieces.