A villanelle is one of the most distinct and challenging forms of poetry, often celebrated for its rigid structure and its emotive potential. Its power lies in the repetitive nature of its form, which weaves intricate layers of meaning through refrains and carefully crafted rhyme schemes. This article aims to explore what makes a villanelle poem, examining its history, structure, thematic concerns, and some of the most famous examples in literature.
The History of the Villanelle
The villanelle originated in France during the late 16th century. The term “villanelle” itself comes from the Italian word “villanella,” meaning “country song” or “pastoral.” Initially, the form was associated with rustic, rural themes, reflecting the pastoral tradition in literature. Early versions of the villanelle were simpler, but over time, poets began to refine and formalize the structure, eventually shaping it into the form we recognize today.
Though the form itself may have originated in the countryside, it eventually moved into more formal, urban poetry. The villanelle rose to prominence in English literature during the 19th century, particularly with the works of poets such as Dylan Thomas and W. H. Auden. Today, the villanelle remains a popular form for poets wishing to express deep emotion, whether it be sorrow, joy, or the turmoil of the human condition.
The Structure of a Villanelle
At first glance, the villanelle’s structure appears deceptively simple. However, it is this very simplicity that contributes to the form’s elegance and emotional resonance. Understanding the formal structure of a villanelle is crucial to grasping its full potential.
Rhyme Scheme
The capital letters (A1 and A2) represent the refrains, which repeat at set intervals. The lowercase letters (b) represent the rhyming words within each stanza. There are 19 lines in total: 5 tercets (three-line stanzas) and a final quatrain (four-line stanza).
Refrains
One of the most distinctive features of the villanelle is its use of refrains. The first and third lines of the poem are repeated alternately throughout the poem, creating a sense of circularity and emphasis. The first line is repeated at the end of the second and fourth tercets, while the third line is repeated at the end of the first and third tercets, leading up to the final quatrain, where both refrains appear in succession. This repetition serves to heighten the emotional impact and thematic coherence of the poem.
Meter
Most villanelles are written in iambic pentameter, though this is not a strict requirement. Iambic pentameter consists of five iambs per line (an iamb being a metrical foot of two syllables: unstressed followed by stressed). This meter provides a rhythmic quality to the poem that enhances its musicality. While the meter can vary in some cases, iambic pentameter is the most common choice because of its regular rhythm, which complements the repetitive nature of the form.
Stanzas
A villanelle consists of five tercets (three-line stanzas) followed by a final quatrain (four-line stanza). The tercets build on one another, with the refrains providing structural continuity, while the quatrain provides a satisfying conclusion to the poem, often tying the refrains together in a final, poignant statement.
Thematic Concerns of the Villanelle
While the form of the villanelle is defined by its structure, the subject matter it addresses can be wide-ranging. However, there are several recurring themes in the tradition of the villanelle that align well with its emotional resonance and repetitive form.
The Passage of Time
The repetitiveness of the villanelle, with its repeated refrains, makes it an ideal vehicle for exploring the passage of time. The cyclical nature of the form can mimic the rhythms of life, suggesting the inescapable repetition of experiences or feelings. Villanelles often explore the inevitability of time’s march forward, and the repeated refrains serve to emphasize the persistence of moments or memories.
A classic example of this can be found in Dylan Thomas’s Do not go gentle into that good night. The poem’s central theme—resistance to death and the inevitability of mortality—is underscored by the repeating refrains. The structure mirrors the persistence of life, even in the face of death, as the speaker urges his father not to “go gentle” into the night.
Regret and Longing
Another theme frequently explored in the villanelle is regret, loss, and longing. The repetition of refrains can convey the speaker’s emotional entrapment in a moment of loss or missed opportunity. The refrains work as a metaphor for the speaker’s inability to escape the past or to resolve the grief they feel.
In Mad Girl’s Love Song by Sylvia Plath, the repetition of the lines “I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead; / I think I made you up inside my head” mirrors the speaker’s emotional struggle with love, mental illness, and the loss of clarity in her mind. The refrains serve as a symbolic loop, reflecting the speaker’s tangled emotions.
Nature and the Human Condition
Given its origins in pastoral poetry, the villanelle often draws upon nature as a means to explore the human condition. The natural world in a villanelle serves as a backdrop against which personal, often philosophical, reflection occurs. The form’s regularity and predictability can evoke the constancy of nature, while also exploring human emotions or existential questions.
For example, The Waking by Theodore Roethke explores the idea of existence itself, with the repetition of the line “I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow” emphasizing the cyclical and elusive nature of consciousness.
Famous Examples of the Villanelle
The villanelle has been used by many poets over the centuries, with some of the most famous works in the form coming from the 20th century. These poems often serve as prime examples of how the rigid structure can enhance the expression of complex emotions.
Do not go gentle into that good night by Dylan Thomas
Perhaps the most famous example of the villanelle is Dylan Thomas’s Do not go gentle into that good night. Written in the midst of his father’s illness, the poem’s emotional intensity is only heightened by its rigid form. The repeated lines “Do not go gentle into that good night” and “Rage, rage against the dying of the light” underscore the speaker’s plea for defiance in the face of death. The repetition emphasizes the urgency and passion of the speaker’s message, making it a powerful rallying cry against the inevitability of mortality.
Mad Girl’s Love Song by Sylvia Plath
Sylvia Plath’s Mad Girl’s Love Song is another example of a villanelle that uses repetition to underscore a deep emotional conflict. The poem explores the madness and irrationality of love, with the repeated refrains emphasizing the speaker’s delusion and heartbreak. Plath’s use of the form is a clear example of how the villanelle can capture inner turmoil and distorted reality.
The Waking by Theodore Roethke
Theodore Roethke’s The Waking is a villanelle that explores the nature of waking consciousness and the human experience. The repeated refrains, “I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow” and “I feel my fate in what I cannot do,” suggest a meditative contemplation on life, existence, and self-awareness. The form helps create a sense of rhythmic continuity that mirrors the cyclical patterns of thought and experience.
Writing a Villanelle
Writing a villanelle can be a daunting task, given the form’s strict requirements. However, by understanding the structure and how to use it to your advantage, a poet can craft a compelling and meaningful poem. Here are some steps to help you write your own villanelle:
Choose a Theme
Before beginning, decide on a central theme or idea. Because the villanelle relies on repetition, it’s important to choose a subject that can sustain the emotional weight of repeated lines. Themes of love, time, death, and regret are all well-suited to this form.
Select Your Refrains
The refrains are the backbone of the villanelle. Choose two lines that are meaningful and impactful, as they will be repeated throughout the poem. These lines should convey something central to the theme and resonate emotionally with the reader.
Develop the Rhymes
The rhyme scheme of a villanelle is strict, so it’s important to carefully plan your rhymes. The second line of each tercet must rhyme with the first and third lines of the previous tercet. This can be a challenge, but it also offers a chance to experiment with sound and rhythm.
Write in Iambic Pentameter (If Desired)
Though not mandatory, iambic pentameter is the most common meter for a villanelle. If you choose to write in this meter, be mindful of the rhythm and cadence of each line.
Revise and Edit
The rigid form of the villanelle can sometimes lead to moments of forced phrasing or awkward word choices. Take the time to revise and ensure that the poem flows smoothly. Make sure the refrains don’t feel repetitive in a mechanical way, but instead enhance the emotional tone of the poem.
Conclusion
The villanelle is a poetic form that requires discipline and precision, yet offers great emotional depth. Through its repetitive structure and evocative refrains, the villanelle captures the essence of many human experiences: the passage of time, love, loss, and the search for meaning. By examining the history, structure, and thematic concerns of the villanelle, we gain a deeper appreciation for this complex and enduring form of poetry. Whether in the hands of a master like Dylan Thomas or a modern poet, the villanelle remains a powerful tool for expressing the most profound aspects of human existence.
