Writing poetry is an art form that challenges creativity while adhering to specific structures. Among the many types of poetry, the villanelle stands out as one of the most distinct and challenging forms. Originating in the 16th century, the villanelle’s repeated lines and strict rhyme scheme provide a unique framework for poets to express ideas with rhythm and emotion. This article will explore how to write a villanelle, focusing on the template and its various components. By the end of this guide, you will have a clear understanding of the structure, rhythm, and techniques to compose your own villanelle.
What is a Villanelle?
A villanelle is a 19-line poem with a highly structured rhyme scheme and repeated refrains. It’s often recognized by its two main characteristics:
Rhyme Scheme: The rhyme pattern follows an ABA format for the first five tercets (three-line stanzas), and ABA for the final quatrain (four-line stanza).
Refrains: The first and third lines of the poem are repeated alternately throughout, appearing at the end of each tercet and forming the final couplet.
Though it is often associated with themes of loss, longing, or obsession, the villanelle allows poets to explore a wide range of emotions and subjects. Famous examples include Dylan Thomas’s Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night and “One Art” by Elizabeth Bishop.
The Structure of a Villanelle
Understanding the strict structure of a villanelle is crucial to mastering the form. Here’s a breakdown of its elements:
Lines and Stanzas:
The villanelle consists of 19 lines in total.
It is divided into five tercets (three-line stanzas) followed by a final quatrain (four-line stanza).
Refrain Lines:
The first and third lines of the first tercet are repeated alternately at the end of each subsequent tercet.
The repeated lines also appear at the end of the quatrain, forming the poem’s conclusion.
Rhyme Scheme:
The rhyme pattern follows the ABA scheme for the tercets.
The final quatrain follows the ABAA rhyme scheme, where the last two lines are the repeated refrains.
How to Write a Villanelle: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Understanding the Key Elements
Before beginning to write your villanelle, make sure you fully understand the following components:
Meter: Villanelles are typically written in iambic pentameter, meaning each line has ten syllables with an unstressed-stressed syllable pattern (da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM). This meter helps maintain the rhythm of the poem.
Refrains: The refrain lines must be carefully chosen, as they will repeat throughout the poem. These lines are crucial for creating the poem’s central message or emotional weight.
Rhyme Scheme: Keep the rhyme scheme in mind as you compose. It’s helpful to visualize the structure before starting, so you can align your word choices with the rhyme pattern.
Step 2: Craft the First Tercet
Start with your first tercet. This will establish the first line of the refrain, which will be repeated throughout. Here’s what to focus on:
Line 1: Choose an impactful, evocative line that you’ll repeat later. It should resonate with the theme you’re exploring.
Line 2: Write a line that rhymes with the first line. This will begin your rhyme scheme.
Line 3: The third line should introduce another idea or argument that connects with the first line. This will form the second line of your refrain.
Once you have written the first three lines, you can move to the next stanza.
Step 3: Write the Next Four Tercets
Each of the following four tercets follows a specific structure:
Repetition of the Refrains: In each subsequent tercet, the first and third lines should be your refrain lines.
New Content: The second lines of the tercets should introduce new ideas, emotions, or details that expand upon the theme of the first tercet.
Rhyme: Ensure that each tercet follows the ABA rhyme scheme. After writing the second line of each tercet, check that the rhyme is consistent with the first and third lines.
Step 4: Conclude with the Final Quatrain
The last stanza of the villanelle should sum up the theme and create a sense of closure. It follows a slightly different rhyme scheme—ABAA—in which the final two lines are the repeated refrains from the beginning of the poem. The repeated lines will now take on new meaning, adding emphasis and depth.
Line 17 (First line of the final quatrain): This line should rhyme with the first line of the poem (line 1).
Line 18 (Second line of the final quatrain): This line should rhyme with line 2 of the poem.
Line 19 (Final line of the poem): The last line is a repetition of line 3 (the second refrain).
The repeated refrains, placed at the end, should now feel like they’ve evolved through the poem, carrying the message to its emotional or thematic conclusion.
Tips for Writing a Successful Villanelle
Choose a Strong, Repetitive Theme
Given the repetitive nature of the form, the theme of your villanelle should be one that benefits from reiteration. Villanelles often explore themes like obsession, sorrow, or persistence. The power of the villanelle lies in the cumulative effect of the refrains.
Make Use of the Refrains
The refrain lines are crucial. They should not only be catchy but also meaningful. They should encapsulate the essence of the poem and create a sense of rhythm. The repetition of these lines will strengthen the emotional impact as they progress.
Avoid Excessive Length or Complexity
Though the villanelle allows for intricate ideas, it is important to stay concise. Given the repetitive structure, overly complex ideas may become tiring or lose their emotional weight.
Edit for Flow and Rhythm
Since the poem follows a strict meter and rhyme scheme, it is crucial to maintain a smooth flow. After writing your first draft, read through it aloud to ensure the rhythm feels natural and the rhymes work well.
Villanelle Examples: Analyzing Famous Works
To fully appreciate the structure of the villanelle, let’s examine two famous examples:
“Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas: This poem is often considered the quintessential example of the villanelle form. Thomas uses the refrains to emphasize the central theme of defiance in the face of death. The repetitive lines “Do not go gentle into that good night” and “Rage, rage against the dying of the light” are key to its power and impact.
“One Art” by Elizabeth Bishop: In this villanelle, Bishop explores themes of loss and mastery of art. The repetition of the line “The art of losing isn’t hard to master” reinforces the poem’s exploration of grief and the emotional effects of loss.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Forcing Rhyme: Villanelles require a strict rhyme scheme, but it’s important not to sacrifice meaning for the sake of rhyme. If a forced rhyme detracts from the clarity of the message, consider revising the line or using a more natural-sounding word.
Overusing Refrains: While the refrains are a defining feature, overusing them can make the poem sound repetitive in a negative way. The refrains should enhance the poem, not make it feel stagnant.
Conclusion
The villanelle is a timeless poetic form that can be both challenging and rewarding. By following the template and guidelines outlined in this article, you can craft your own villanelle that captures the emotional resonance of the repeated refrains. This form is ideal for poets who want to explore themes of repetition, longing, or emotional intensity. With practice and patience, writing a villanelle can become an enjoyable creative exercise that helps refine your craft and push the boundaries of your poetic expression.
