English: Poem Types

What is a sonnet?

a poem of fourteen lines using any of a number of formal rhyme schemes, in English typically having ten syllables per line.

What is a lyric poem?

a short, song-like poem that expresses personal emotions and feelings, often in a musical or expressive way

What is a ballad?

a form of verse, often a narrative poem, that is typically set to music and tells a story

What is a villanelle?

a 19-line poem with a specific structure consisting of five tercets (three-line stanzas) and a concluding quatrain (four-line stanza)

What is an epic?

a long narrative poem, often centered around heroic deeds and significant events, that reflects the values and culture of a specific society

What is a dramatic monologue?

a single character speaks at length to an implied audience, revealing their thoughts, feelings, and personality, often in a pivotal moment

What is a free verse poem?

does not follow strict rules of meter or rhyme, allowing for a more natural and conversational flow of language

What is a didactic poem?

a poem whose primary purpose is to teach a lesson, convey a moral, or provide instruction