Writing a villanelle poem can seem like a daunting task at first, but with a little patience and a good understanding of the structure, it can be a fun and rewarding experience. Villanelles are one of the most famous forms of fixed verse poetry. Their rhythmic and repetitive nature makes them unique and highly memorable. If you’re interested in learning how to write a villanelle, this step-by-step guide will help you get started.
The villanelle poem consists of 19 lines, with a very specific structure that includes a repeating refrain, set rhyme scheme, and strict pattern of repetition. But don’t worry – we’ll break it all down for you, so you can easily follow along.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of the villanelle and be ready to craft your own poem. Let’s get started!
What is a Villanelle Poem?
A villanelle is a type of fixed-form poem that originated in France during the 16th century. The word “villanelle” originally referred to a pastoral song or a type of country music, but over time, it became associated with this strict poetic form.
A villanelle is made up of 19 lines, following a very specific structure. It is divided into five tercets (three-line stanzas) and a final quatrain (four-line stanza). The first and third lines of the poem serve as refrains, repeating throughout the poem. These refrains alternate between the end of each tercet and appear together at the end in the quatrain.
Understanding the Structure of a Villanelle
Before diving into writing your own villanelle, it’s essential to understand the structure that defines this form. Here’s a breakdown:
Number of Lines: A villanelle consists of 19 lines in total.
Stanzas: The poem is divided into five tercets (three-line stanzas) and one quatrain (four-line stanza).
Rhyme Scheme: The rhyme scheme of a villanelle follows a pattern of ABA for the tercets and ABAA for the quatrain. This means that the first and third lines rhyme in each tercet, and the final stanza uses both refrains together at the end.
Refrains: The first and third lines of the poem act as refrains. The first line is repeated at the end of the second and fourth tercets, and the third line is repeated at the end of the first, third, and fifth tercets. Finally, both refrains appear together in the final quatrain.
Step 1: Choose a Theme for Your Poem
The first step in writing a villanelle is to choose a theme. A villanelle can be written about almost anything, but it’s important to pick a theme that resonates with you. The form’s repetitive nature often works best with themes that are emotional, reflective, or have a sense of longing or regret. Some common themes for villanelles include:
Love and loss
Nature and the seasons
Time and memory
Personal struggles or triumphs
Life’s meaning or the passage of time
Think about what inspires you or what message you’d like to convey. Once you have your theme, you’re ready to move to the next step.
Step 2: Write the First and Third Lines (Refrains)
The core of a villanelle lies in its repeating refrains. The first and third lines will be repeated throughout the poem, so it’s important to make them memorable. These lines should encapsulate the essence of your theme.
Here’s a tip: try to make these lines both meaningful and flexible enough to carry the weight of the poem’s entire structure. They should evoke strong emotions or present an idea that can be explored from different angles as the poem unfolds.
For example, if your theme is about love lost, your first refrain could be something like:
“The love we had now fades to gray.”
Your third line (which will become the second refrain) could be:
“I still dream of you each day.”
These two lines now act as anchors for your poem. You’ll repeat them throughout the villanelle, adding depth and emphasis with each appearance.
Step 3: Plan the Rhyming Scheme
The rhyme scheme of a villanelle is essential. Each tercet (three-line stanza) must follow an ABA rhyme scheme. In other words, the first and third lines of each tercet must rhyme, while the middle line doesn’t. The quatrain (the last stanza) should follow the ABAA rhyme scheme, with the first and third lines of the stanza echoing the refrains.
To help guide your writing, list the words that rhyme with the end words of your refrains. This will give you a pool of words to draw from when writing the middle line of each tercet. For instance, if your first refrain ends with “gray,” you could list words like “bay,” “stay,” “way,” “play,” and so on.
Be mindful of the flow of the poem as you go. Try not to force rhyme words into places where they don’t feel natural. The best villanelles have a smooth, conversational quality, despite their strict structure.
Step 4: Write the First Tercet
The first tercet introduces your refrains and establishes the pattern. Begin by writing your first refrain (the first line), followed by a new line that rhymes with the first refrain (this will be the second line of the stanza), and then the second refrain (the third line of the stanza).
“The love we had now fades to gray.”
“I search for answers in the night.”
“I still dream of you each day.”
Notice how the second line introduces a new idea or development but keeps the rhyme scheme intact.
Step 5: Continue with the Next Tercets
For the following tercets, you will continue the repeating refrain pattern. The first line of the second tercet repeats the first refrain (the same as the first line of the poem), and the third line of the second tercet repeats the second refrain (the same as the third line of the poem). The middle line should introduce a new thought that complements or contrasts with the previous lines.
“The love we had now fades to gray.”
“I seek the memories we’ve lost.”
“I still dream of you each day.”
Continue alternating the refrains while exploring new ideas within the theme. Each tercet should feel like a new layer added to your exploration of the theme.
Step 6: Write the Quatrain
The final stanza, the quatrain, is a four-line stanza that ties everything together. In this section, both refrains should appear at the end of the stanza. The quatrain uses the ABAA rhyme scheme, with the first and third lines echoing the refrains.
“The love we had now fades to gray.”
“I search for you, but find no trace.”
“I still dream of you each day.”
“I long for your familiar face.”
The quatrain should offer a conclusion or final thought to the poem. It’s often a moment of reflection, as the repeated refrains build to an emotional peak.
Step 7: Edit and Revise
Once you’ve written your villanelle, it’s time to edit and revise. Since this form is strict, it’s important that the poem flows smoothly while still adhering to the form. Check for consistency in your rhyme scheme, the strength of your refrains, and the overall emotional impact of the poem.
Try reading the poem aloud to hear how it sounds. Does it have a natural rhythm? Does the repetition of the refrains add emotional weight without feeling too forced?
Conclusion
Writing a villanelle poem may seem challenging at first, but once you understand the structure and the importance of the refrains, it becomes a powerful and creative way to express your thoughts and emotions. The repetitive nature of the form helps to emphasize key ideas, making your poem memorable and impactful.
Remember to start with a strong theme, carefully craft your refrains, and maintain the rhyme scheme throughout. With practice, you’ll be able to write villanelles that not only adhere to the form but also touch the hearts of your readers.
