A villanelle is a traditional form of poetry that has been celebrated for its rhythmic complexity and emotional resonance. Among its distinctive features is the strict structure of repetition, which includes the refrain—lines that are repeated throughout the poem in a prescribed pattern. While the entirety of the villanelle adheres to specific formal rules, the final stanza holds a unique significance. This concluding part is not merely an end to the poem but often serves to offer a resolution or deepen the meaning of the preceding lines.
In this article, we will explore what the final stanza of a villanelle is, its role in the overall structure of the poem, how it contributes to the emotional impact, and how poets use it to bring a sense of closure or to enhance the poem’s thematic concerns. We will also consider how modern poets adapt the traditional rules and make the form their own. Let’s dive deeper into the structure, function, and impact of the final stanza of a villanelle.
Understanding the Structure of a Villanelle
Before we focus on the final stanza, it’s crucial to understand the overall structure of a villanelle. This knowledge will provide a foundation for grasping why the last stanza is so important.
A traditional villanelle consists of 19 lines, divided into five tercets (three-line stanzas) followed by a final quatrain (a four-line stanza). The key characteristic of a villanelle is its rigid rhyme and repetition pattern, which is:
The first and third lines of the first tercet serve as the refrain, and they alternate as the final lines of each subsequent tercet.
In the final quatrain, both refrains appear again, with the first one placed as the first line and the second as the third line.
For instance, if the first line of the poem is “Do not go gentle into that good night” (from Dylan Thomas‘s famous villanelle), the final stanza will use the first refrain (“Do not go gentle into that good night”) as the first line, and the second refrain (“Rage, rage against the dying of the light”) as the third line.
The Role of the Final Stanza
The final stanza of a villanelle often has a very specific role within the context of the entire poem. To explore this further, let’s break down the functions of the last stanza:
Resolution: One of the key roles of the final stanza is to offer resolution to the thematic tension that builds throughout the poem. In the case of a traditional villanelle, the repetition of refrains builds up a sense of urgency or emphasis. The final stanza, by reintroducing both refrains in their specific positions, can bring the poem to a satisfying conclusion or offer a twist. This brings coherence to the work and closes the cycle of repetition.
Amplification of Theme: The repeated refrains in the final stanza often work to amplify the emotional and thematic concerns of the poem. In many cases, the closing lines of the villanelle are not merely a summation but a more profound restatement of the central ideas. For instance, Dylan Thomas’s poem “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” repeatedly stresses the fight against death, and the final stanza accentuates this struggle even further by using the refrains to create a powerful emotional impact.
Circularity: Villanelles are often considered cyclical poems because of their repetitive nature. The final stanza brings this circularity to a logical and emotional closure. The return of the refrains at the end mirrors the beginning of the poem, creating a sense of completeness and unity. This cyclical structure is an inherent feature of villanelles, and the final stanza highlights this structural characteristic.
Heightening Emotional Impact: Villanelles often focus on powerful emotions—grief, defiance, longing, or love. The final stanza, with its repetition of significant lines, intensifies the emotional force of the poem. The reader, having experienced the unfolding emotional journey through the repetitions of the refrain, is left with the culmination of these feelings in the final lines.
Analyzing the Structure of the Final Stanza
Let’s now take a closer look at the technical aspects of the final stanza of a villanelle. The structure and arrangement of lines in this part of the poem are designed to maximize the impact of the repeated refrains. In the final quatrain, the first and third lines are the refrains that have appeared throughout the poem.
The first line of the final stanza is the first refrain, which reintroduces the poem’s central message or idea. This is often a line that has been emphasized throughout the poem, and it can create a sense of closure or finality by bringing the reader back to the initial theme.
The second line of the final stanza typically follows the established rhyme pattern from the preceding tercets and continues the flow of the poem.
The third line of the final stanza is the second refrain, which further reinforces the central theme. This final use of the refrain offers an additional layer of emotional resonance.
Modern Adaptations of the Villanelle
While the traditional structure of the villanelle is highly prescribed, contemporary poets often experiment with the form. Some modern poets might alter the use of refrains, change the rhyme scheme, or explore more complex themes. This flexibility allows the final stanza to take on new meanings and to be shaped according to the poet’s vision.
For example, in some modern villanelles, the final stanza might break free from the expected pattern of closure, using the refrains in a way that defies expectations. By doing this, the poet creates a more open-ended conclusion or challenges the reader’s assumptions about the meaning of the poem. The final stanza can then serve as a point of tension or ambiguity rather than a resolution.
Famous Examples of Villanelles and Their Final Stanzas
To better understand the importance of the final stanza, let’s look at some famous examples of villanelles and analyze how the final stanza functions in each case.
“Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas: Dylan Thomas’s “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” is perhaps the most famous villanelle. The poem is an emotional plea for defiance in the face of death, and the final stanza highlights this theme powerfully. The repetition of the refrains in the last stanza reinforces the speaker’s urgent call for resistance. The final line, “Rage, rage against the dying of the light,” serves as a poignant, resonant closing, bringing the poem to an intense conclusion.
“One Art” by Elizabeth Bishop: Elizabeth Bishop’s “One Art” is another well-known example of a villanelle. The poem explores the theme of loss, with the refrain “The art of losing isn’t hard to master.” In the final stanza, Bishop brings together the refrains to reinforce the poem’s meditation on the inevitability of loss. The casual tone in the final lines contrasts with the emotional weight of the poem, adding complexity and depth to the overall meaning.
“The Waking” by Theodore Roethke: Theodore Roethke’s “The Waking” is a more introspective villanelle, exploring themes of self-awareness and the passage of time. The final stanza, like the rest of the poem, uses the refrains to guide the reader through a deep exploration of existence. The cyclical structure is particularly effective in the final lines, where the poet circles back to key ideas of waking, sleeping, and the nature of reality.
Conclusion
The final stanza of a villanelle plays a crucial role in bringing the poem to its emotional and thematic conclusion. Through the repetition of refrains and the strict structural rules, the final stanza helps to resolve or amplify the emotional tension that builds throughout the poem. Whether used to offer a sense of closure, to intensify the theme, or to highlight the cyclical nature of the poem, the last stanza holds significant weight in shaping the overall impact of the villanelle.
While the traditional form of the villanelle has a defined structure, modern poets have taken liberties with the form, allowing the final stanza to be more flexible and open-ended. This has resulted in a diverse range of villanelles that offer different interpretations of the role of the final stanza.
In the end, the final stanza of a villanelle is not just an ending, but a crucial element that provides a sense of resolution, heightens emotional impact, and offers the reader a profound reflection on the themes explored throughout the poem. The power of the villanelle lies not only in its repetitive structure but in the way that structure is used to amplify the emotional resonance and thematic depth of the poem, culminating in the unforgettable final stanza.
