A villanelle is a special type of poem that has a unique style and a strict structure. It’s one of the oldest forms of poetry, and though it can seem a bit complicated at first, it’s actually a lot of fun to write and read! In this article, we will explore what a villanelle is, how it’s made, and how you can start writing your own villanelle.
What Makes a Villanelle Different?
Villanelles are different from other types of poems because they follow a pattern of repetition. This means that in a villanelle, certain lines are repeated throughout the poem. The poem also has a fixed number of lines and a specific rhyme scheme.
Imagine you are writing a story, but you have to repeat certain sentences at specific places in the story. This repetition is one of the key features that make a villanelle so special!
The History of Villanelle Poems
The villanelle poem originated in France. The name “villanelle” comes from the word “villanella,” which means a song or dance from the country. The form became popular during the 16th century and was often used by poets who wanted to express deep feelings, like sadness or longing. One of the most famous villanelles was written by the poet Dylan Thomas, called “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night.”
Although it’s an old form, poets today still enjoy writing villanelles because of their unique style and emotional power.
How a Villanelle Is Structured
A villanelle has a very specific structure, so if you want to write one, it’s important to know the rules. Here are the basic parts of a villanelle:
Number of Lines: A villanelle has 19 lines in total. That’s a little longer than a typical poem, but it’s still a manageable length.
Stanzas: A villanelle is made up of five 3-line stanzas (called tercets) followed by one 4-line stanza (called a quatrain). The quatrain is the last stanza of the poem.
Rhyme Scheme: The rhyme scheme of a villanelle is very specific. The rhyme scheme follows the pattern:
A1, b, A2
a, b, A1
a, b, A2
a, b, A1
a, b, A2
a, b, A1, A2
What does this mean? It means that in each stanza, the first and third lines repeat certain lines from earlier stanzas, and the lines rhyme in a particular way. The first line of the poem (A1) will be repeated as the last line of the second and fourth stanzas. The second line (A2) will be repeated as the last line of the third and fifth stanzas.
How Repetition Works in a Villanelle
One of the most important features of a villanelle is repetition. Repeating lines creates a sense of rhythm and emphasis in the poem. Each time the line repeats, it brings more meaning and emotion to the poem. The repeated lines often focus on important ideas or feelings that the poet wants to highlight.
For example, let’s say your poem is about the importance of never giving up. You might repeat the line, “Never give up,” several times in the poem. Each time the line repeats, it becomes stronger, and the reader understands how important the idea is to the poem.
Example of a Villanelle Poem
To help you understand the structure and repetition better, let’s look at a simple example of a villanelle. This is a poem I made for you to show you how it works:
“The Sun Sets in the West”
The sun sets in the west, and night is near,
The stars will light the sky and make it bright.
We watch as shadows stretch, and skies are clear.
The moon will rise, so calm, without a tear.
A gentle breeze will blow and bring delight.
The sun sets in the west, and night is near.
As day turns dark, the world begins to fear
That dreams will fade beneath the fading light.
We watch as shadows stretch, and skies are clear.
The stars will shine and make the night sincere,
A peaceful end to all that came before.
The sun sets in the west, and night is near.
Through every dark, there’s always something dear,
A promise that the day will come once more.
We watch as shadows stretch, and skies are clear.
So close your eyes, and hold your dreams so near,
The sun will rise and bring a brand-new sight.
The sun sets in the west, and night is near,
We watch as shadows stretch, and skies are clear.
In this poem, notice how the first and third lines repeat throughout the poem. The repetition of “The sun sets in the west, and night is near” and “We watch as shadows stretch, and skies are clear” makes the poem feel steady, like a rhythm. It also emphasizes the idea of day turning into night, which is the main theme of the poem.
Why Write a Villanelle?
So, why should you write a villanelle? Here are a few reasons:
Fun to Write: Even though it has rules, a villanelle is fun because of its repeating lines. You get to say the same thing in different ways, which can be really creative!
Express Your Feelings: Villanelles are great for expressing strong emotions. The repeated lines help you emphasize your feelings over and over, making them more powerful.
Learning Structure: Writing a villanelle teaches you about structure and organization in poetry. It’s a great way to challenge yourself and learn how to follow patterns.
Create Beautiful Rhythm: Because of the rhyme scheme and repetition, a villanelle has a beautiful rhythm that sounds like music when you read it out loud. It can be very satisfying to hear the lines flow together.
Tips for Writing Your Own Villanelle
Now that you know what a villanelle is, you might want to try writing one yourself! Here are some tips to help you get started:
Pick a Theme: Villanelles are often about strong emotions or ideas, like love, nature, or challenges. Think about something that’s important to you and start there.
Choose Your Repeated Lines: Decide which two lines you want to repeat throughout the poem. These lines will help set the mood and message of your poem.
Follow the Rhyme Scheme: Make sure that your lines follow the A1, b, A2 rhyme scheme we discussed earlier. This might take some practice, but don’t worry! You can always adjust the words to make sure they fit.
Write with Rhythm: Since villanelles have a musical rhythm, try to read your poem out loud as you write. This will help you see how the lines sound and whether they flow well.
Don’t Be Afraid to Revise: Writing a villanelle can be tricky because of its rules. If something doesn’t sound right, don’t be afraid to change it. Writing is all about making things better!
Villanelle vs. Other Types of Poems
Villanelles are different from many other types of poems, and understanding the differences can help you appreciate how special they are. Here’s how a villanelle compares to other common types of poems:
Haiku: A haiku is a short, three-line poem that focuses on nature and uses a syllable pattern of 5-7-5. Unlike a villanelle, a haiku has no repetition, and it’s much shorter.
Limerick: A limerick is a funny five-line poem with a specific rhythm and rhyme scheme (AABBA). Limericks are often humorous, while villanelles tend to be more serious.
Free Verse: Free verse poems don’t follow any specific rules or patterns. They have no fixed rhyme or rhythm, which makes them very different from the structured villanelle.
Famous Villanelle Poets
Some famous poets have written villanelles that are well worth reading. Here are a few examples:
Dylan Thomas: One of the most famous poets to write a villanelle is Dylan Thomas, especially his poem “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night.” This villanelle expresses a powerful message about fighting against death.
Elizabeth Bishop: Another well-known poet who used the villanelle form is Elizabeth Bishop. Her poem “One Art” is a beautiful example of how to use repetition to explore loss and acceptance.
Conclusion
A villanelle is a unique and fun type of poem that follows a specific structure with repeated lines and a fixed rhyme scheme. It’s a great way to express powerful emotions and ideas while practicing your creativity. By understanding the rules and following some helpful tips, you can start writing your own villanelle and enjoy the rhythm and beauty of this timeless form of poetry. Happy writing!
