Poetry has many forms, each with its own rhythm and structure. One such form is the villanelle, a highly structured and distinct form of poetry that dates back to the 16th century. It has been praised for its repetitive and song-like qualities, creating a sense of emphasis, rhythm, and emotional power. Though complex in form, the villanelle is a popular choice among poets who want to challenge themselves and evoke deep feelings through their work. In this article, we will explore what a villanelle is, break down its structure, and provide an example of a villanelle to understand how this poetic form works.
What is a Villanelle?
The villanelle is a 19-line poem made up of five tercets (three-line stanzas) followed by a quatrain (four-line stanza). It follows a strict rhyme and repetition scheme that makes it unique and sometimes difficult to write. The primary features of a villanelle are its rhyme scheme, its use of refrains, and the fact that it is usually written in iambic pentameter.
The rhyme scheme for a villanelle is ABA for the tercets and ABAA for the final quatrain. This means that in each of the first three lines of a stanza, the first and third lines rhyme, while the second line does not. Additionally, the first and third lines of the first tercet are repeated alternately throughout the rest of the poem. These repeated lines become refrains, giving the poem a musical, almost chant-like quality.
Breaking Down the Structure of a Villanelle
To understand how a villanelle works, it is important to break down its structure in detail. As mentioned, a villanelle consists of 19 lines with a specific rhyme and repetition pattern. Here’s a breakdown of how the lines are arranged:
First Five Tercets: Each tercet contains three lines. The first and third lines of each tercet must rhyme with each other.
The Refrains: The first and third lines of the first tercet are repeated alternately as refrains in the subsequent stanzas. These refrains usually provide emphasis or a central theme to the poem.
The Final Quatrain:The last stanza, or quatrain, contains four lines. It follows the same rhyme scheme as the tercets (ABA), but the final line is also a repetition of the first line of the poem.
This repetitive structure allows for a cyclical, reflective quality, which can enhance the emotional depth of the poem. The repetition of refrains often builds momentum, bringing attention to a central idea or theme.
The History of the Villanelle
The villanelle originated in France during the Renaissance. It was inspired by a traditional form of Italian song called the villanella, which was light and pastoral in nature. Early versions of the villanelle were written in a similar form to Italian folk songs, but over time, it evolved into the more structured form we recognize today.
One of the most famous early examples of the villanelle is Joachim du Bellay’s “Villanelle” from the 16th century. However, the villanelle didn’t gain widespread popularity until the 19th century. The most well-known villanelle in English literature is Dylan Thomas’ “Do not go gentle into that good night,” which remains one of the most enduring examples of the form. Thomas used the villanelle to express themes of death, defiance, and the human struggle against mortality, making it a powerful and emotional piece.
Why Write a Villanelle?
Writing a villanelle can be both a challenge and a reward. The strict structure forces poets to think creatively within constraints, and the repetitive nature of the form allows them to emphasize a particular emotion, idea, or phrase. The rhythm and repetition also give the poem a musical, hypnotic quality, which can deepen the reader’s emotional connection to the subject matter.
Many poets use the villanelle to explore themes of loss, longing, and time, as the repeated refrains can create a sense of nostalgia, persistence, or inevitability. The form’s complexity also provides an opportunity for poets to play with language and meaning, allowing for a layered reading experience.
Example of a Villanelle: “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas
Perhaps the most famous example of a villanelle is Dylan Thomas’ “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night.” In this poem, Thomas explores the theme of death and the human desire to fight against it. The poem’s refrains — “Do not go gentle into that good night” and “Rage, rage against the dying of the light” — give the poem a forceful, almost pleading tone. The structure of the villanelle allows Thomas to intensify his emotional appeal, making the poem both powerful and poignant.
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
The repetition of “Do not go gentle into that good night” and “Rage, rage against the dying of the light” serves to emphasize the emotional intensity of the speaker’s plea. The villanelle’s cyclical nature echoes the relentless struggle against death, making it a powerful example of the form.
Writing Your Own Villanelle: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that we understand the structure and purpose of the villanelle, let’s take a look at how to write one yourself. Writing a villanelle involves some careful planning, but it can be a rewarding creative exercise.
Choose a Theme or Emotion: Since the villanelle relies on repetition, it’s essential to choose a theme or emotion that can sustain multiple references throughout the poem. This could be anything from love to grief, nature to time.
Draft the First and Third Lines: The first and third lines of the first tercet will be your refrains, so you’ll want them to be memorable and significant to the poem’s theme. Make sure these lines are strong enough to carry the emotion of the poem.
Write the Tercets: Start writing the first tercet with the first and third lines. Then, continue writing the remaining tercets, using the rhyme scheme (ABA) and repeating the refrains where appropriate.
Complete the Final Quatrain: The last quatrain should also follow the ABA rhyme scheme, and the final line should be a repetition of the first line of the poem.
Revise and Refine: Villanelles can be tricky to write because of their strict form, so don’t be afraid to revise. Focus on maintaining the flow of the poem and the impact of the refrains.
Conclusion
The villanelle is a poetic form known for its strict structure, its use of refrains, and its ability to evoke strong emotions through repetition. While it can be challenging to write, the form allows poets to emphasize a central idea and create a powerful rhythm that engages the reader. Whether you are writing about love, loss, or perseverance, the villanelle provides a unique way to express your thoughts and feelings. By understanding its structure and characteristics, you can appreciate the beauty of this form and perhaps even try writing one yourself.
