Descriptions and examples of various poetry forms.
(For ASIAN-INSPIRED FORMS and for GLOSSARIES OF LITERARY TERMS, scroll to the lower half of the page.)
Not to be confused with the Ballad. From Larry Gross's theWORDshop pages of poetry forms. The Ballade adapted from French into English by Geoffrey Chaucer, is a member of the large Rondeau family.
Excellent definition and examples, with several links to other sites, including the complete Adelaide Crapsey cinquains. From the dmoz Open Directory Project.
The Palinode is a song, discourse or poem recanting a previous one. It has a lengthy history in both serious and humorous verse. From Larry Gross's theWORDshop pages of poetry forms.
Al Rocheleau, online poetry guru first with Atlantic Monthly then with the popular Orca forum, gives a thorough, understandable explanation, with example.
"The Sonnet Verse Form" by Joan Zimmerman: An excellent introduction, explaining differences and characteristics of a good many variations of the form.
Al Rocheleau, online poetry guru first with Atlantic Monthly then with the popular Orca forum, gives a thorough, understandable explanation, with example.
Best sonnet site around. Definitions, instructions for writing, articles and sonnets from 600 years of sonneteers, from Petrarch to the 20th century, plus a Sonnet Magnet board for instant composing and other attractions as well; you can even submit poems to the site and read those of others.
Smitha Chakravarthula defines and illustrates this verse pattern adapted from Italian poets of the 13th century. Includes helpful hints on using meter and rhyme.
Smitha Chakravarthula's explication of the pattern seems to be taken from my earlier article (See above entry), but she has added illustrations of two specific forms: the Luc Bat and the Than Bauk.
"Basic Points about the Ghazal," by Agha Shahid Ali. One of the few sites which stress the "canonical form of the ghazal " as opposed to looser modern variations.
A course taught at the U of Northern Iowa; provides clear definitions and illustrations of 7 poetry forms and 7 important poetry characteristics: Style, Repetition, Rhyme & Music, Line & Meter, Imagery, Form, and Tradition.
Compiled by Prof. Jack Lynch. Section on poetry is limited, but this offers pathways to other literary terms plus useful sections on literary history, genres and theory. Arranged by categories.
Extensive dictionary of rhetorical devices and figurative imagery. Companion site to Harris's Glossary of Literary Terms. Each has entries not found in the other.
Not a glossary exactly. It offers clear, understandable history and background to poetic styles and forms from around the world, then defines the styles and forms and, in most cases, gives examples. By Terry Clitheroe.
