The villanelle is one of the most iconic and intricate forms of poetry, renowned for its fixed structure and repetitive nature. It has a distinctive rhythm that attracts poets, and readers alike, offering a unique challenge for the writer while showcasing beauty in its strict form. The question of what constitutes the “most popular” villanelle invites exploration into both the history of the form and its enduring relevance in modern poetry. In this article, we will delve deeply into the structure, evolution, and timeless appeal of the villanelle, ultimately answering the question of which specific villanelle holds the title of the most popular.
What is a Villanelle?
Before we examine the most popular villanelle, it’s essential to understand what a villanelle is. The villanelle is a nineteen-line poem with a fixed rhyme scheme and a strict pattern of repetition. The form consists of five tercets (three-line stanzas) followed by a quatrain (four-line stanza). The rhyme scheme is typically ABA for the tercets and ABAA for the final quatrain. However, what truly distinguishes a villanelle from other forms is its pattern of refrains.
The first and third lines of the first tercet are alternately repeated at the end of each following tercet. These repeated lines become the first and second lines of the final quatrain, which is why the villanelle has a haunting, echoing quality. The form’s repetitive nature builds a rhythm that draws the reader’s attention, emphasizing the central themes of the poem.
The Villanelle’s History
The villanelle is thought to have originated in Italy, with the earliest known examples dating back to the late 16th century. The term itself is derived from the Italian word villanella, meaning a rustic song or dance. Initially, the form was used in simple, pastoral poetry, but it was the French poets who would elevate the villanelle to its current, more refined form.
The villanelle was popularized in France during the 16th century by poets such as Jean Passerat, who wrote the most famous early example of the form, “Villanelle de la guerre de Juillet”. However, it was not until the 19th and 20th centuries that the villanelle began to gain widespread attention in English-language poetry, thanks to poets like Dylan Thomas and W. H. Auden. Their use of the form brought it into the literary mainstream, where it has remained a staple ever since.
The Structure and Rhyme Scheme of the Villanelle
As mentioned, the villanelle follows a specific rhyme and repetition scheme, which contributes to its distinctive sound. Here is a breakdown of the structure:
Nineteen lines: The poem consists of 19 lines in total.
Tercets: There are 5 three-line stanzas (tercets), followed by a four-line stanza (quatrain).
Rhyme scheme: The rhyme scheme alternates between ABA for the tercets and ABAA for the final quatrain.
Refrains: The first and third lines of the first tercet are repeated alternately as the last line of each following tercet, and the first two lines of the final quatrain.
This strict form, which can seem daunting to poets, results in a mesmerizing effect when executed well. The repetition of the refrains is not only a technical challenge but also a powerful tool for emphasizing the theme of the poem, creating a sense of inevitability or obsession.
Famous Examples of Villanelles
Now that we have an understanding of the villanelle’s structure, we can explore some of the most famous examples of this form to identify which villanelle is considered the most popular. The following poems are widely regarded as masterpieces of the villanelle:
“Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas
Without a doubt, the most famous and often cited villanelle in the English language is Dylan Thomas’s “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night”. Written in 1947, this poem addresses the themes of death, defiance, and the human spirit’s refusal to succumb to fate. It was written for Thomas’s dying father, urging him to “rage, rage against the dying of the light.” The repeated lines “Do not go gentle into that good night” and “Rage, rage against the dying of the light” give the poem a poignant, emotional resonance that continues to resonate with readers worldwide.
Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night is often the first poem many people encounter when introduced to the villanelle. Its widespread popularity in schools, literary discussions, and memorial services makes it the most famous villanelle, cementing its place as the standard-bearer for the form.
“The House on the Hill” by Edwin Arlington Robinson
Another well-known villanelle is Edwin Arlington Robinson’s “The House on the Hill”. First published in 1927, this poem describes an abandoned house and evokes a sense of melancholy and nostalgia. It is often studied for its exploration of isolation, loss, and the passage of time. Robinson’s use of the villanelle form to convey these themes showcases the versatility of the structure, allowing it to encapsulate both personal and universal emotions.
“One Art” by Elizabeth Bishop
Elizabeth Bishop’s “One Art” is another prominent example of the villanelle form. Published in 1976, it examines the theme of loss, but in a much more restrained and ironic manner than Thomas’s intense emotion. Bishop explores the art of losing, suggesting that it is a skill one can learn to master over time. The repeated refrain “The art of losing isn’t hard to master” serves as a powerful refrain that emphasizes the poem’s exploration of loss with a calm, almost detached tone.
Why is “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” So Popular?
Among the examples listed, “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” is widely considered the most popular villanelle. But what makes this poem stand out from the others? Several factors contribute to its lasting appeal:
Emotional Power: The primary reason for its popularity is the sheer emotional power of the poem. Thomas’s poignant call for resistance against death resonates deeply with readers of all ages, and the repetitive nature of the villanelle serves to heighten this emotional urgency. The refrains intensify the message, creating a mantra-like repetition that underlines the poem’s central theme of defiance against death.
Universal Theme: Death is a theme that transcends time and place, making this poem universally relatable. Whether one is reading it in the context of a loved one’s passing or in the larger philosophical sense, the poem’s exploration of human mortality is something everyone can connect to. The universal nature of its theme ensures that it remains relevant, both personally and collectively.
Technical Mastery: The technical aspects of “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” also contribute to its popularity. Dylan Thomas’s ability to master the villanelle form, making it both emotionally resonant and technically impressive, has earned the poem a place as a model of the genre. The poem’s complex structure, with its careful repetition and rhyme scheme, is executed flawlessly, showcasing Thomas’s poetic skill.
Cultural Influence: Beyond literary circles, “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” has permeated popular culture. It has been quoted in films, television shows, and even eulogies, often used to express the desire to resist the inevitability of death. Its inclusion in such diverse contexts has helped it maintain cultural relevance long after its initial publication.
The Villanelle in Modern Poetry
Although the villanelle may have originated in the 16th century, it continues to be an important form in modern poetry. Contemporary poets use the villanelle to explore a wide range of themes, from personal loss to political resistance. Its rigid structure presents a unique challenge for poets, requiring them to balance creativity with constraint. This challenge is part of what makes the villanelle so attractive to modern writers, as it forces them to innovate within a defined set of rules.
Poets like Agha Shahid Ali, John Berryman, and Sylvia Plath have all experimented with the form, putting their own spin on it while maintaining its traditional structure. While Thomas’s villanelle remains the most famous, the form itself remains vital and relevant, continuing to inspire poets today.
Conclusion
In answering the question, “What is the most popular villanelle?” it becomes clear that Dylan Thomas’s “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” holds the title. Its emotional intensity, universal themes, technical excellence, and cultural significance all contribute to its enduring popularity. However, this does not diminish the contributions of other villanelles like Robinson’s “The House on the Hill” or Bishop’s “One Art”, which have also made significant impacts on the poetic landscape. The villanelle as a form remains a beloved and challenging tool for poets, and its ability to evoke powerful emotion through repetition ensures that it will continue to captivate audiences for generations to come.
