navwin » Archives » Critical Analysis #1 » Obviously....A Villanelle (I think:))
Critical Analysis #1
Post A Reply Post New Topic Obviously....A Villanelle (I think:)) Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
Systematic Decay
Senior Member
since 1999-09-15
Posts 1301
That place with padded walls and funny people in white.........

0 posted 1999-09-29 01:13 AM


Ok I think, but Im not positive this is the right form. Even if you have no comments on the poems content could someone tell me if I did it right? I know its not that good...but I tried. Oh and I don't particularly like the title, but could think of nothing better.

Obviously

No light can I see
Only corruption
How can this be?

Is this really me?
Simple presumption
No light can I see

Is this all we'll be?
Deadly seduction
How can this be?

I've never been free
Run by corruption
No light can I see

Hateful society
To work we're rushin'
How can this be?

We're obviously
Banned from discussion
No light can I see
How can this be?


Oh also, I'm wondering if I got my point at all across in this format...if you could tell me what your interpretation is of this poem, I'd appreciate it.
Thanks.


------------------
"Despite all my rage, I am still just a rat in a cage."
-Billy Corgan-

[This message has been edited by Systematic Decay (edited 09-29-1999).]

© Copyright 1999 Systematic Decay - All Rights Reserved
Skyfyre
Senior Member
since 1999-08-15
Posts 1906
Sitting in Michael's Lap
1 posted 1999-09-29 08:27 PM


Well, the rhyme/repetition structure is correct for a villanelle; I can't really give you any advice on meter cause I haven't been able to find anything that says whether these little boogers have to be written in iambic pentameter or anything ... it might be just that you must choose a constant meter ... Nan..?

As far as an interpretation, I read powerlessness here ... a lack of control over one's own destiny ... course I am hardly a literature major, so if I am way off in left field, blame it on science ... LOL

A Valiant effort, milady, I commend you.

Nocht


------------------
"Nunc lento sonitu dicunt, morierus"
(Now as I hear this bell tolling softly for another, it says to me, "Thou must die.")



[This message has been edited by Nochtdraco (edited 09-30-1999).]

Brad
Member Ascendant
since 1999-08-20
Posts 5705
Jejudo, South Korea
2 posted 1999-09-30 05:50 AM


Some additions:

A villanelle should always be metered because of the rhyme (it can, however, be loosely metered because you get all that help from the repetition). I've written a villanelle without a strong meter; rules are made to be broken

The form is correct.

I think the problem, however, is line length. SD, your lines are so short that you draw attention to the form itself (which may have been what you wanted) and a reader forgets the content. A form poem, in my opinion, really shouldn't be seen for its form but for how that form enhances the poem. Even if someone doesn't know what a villanelle is, they should be able to enjoy it anyway. The form works, not because it's a form, but because the repetition and the rhyme create a feel that many of us fine fantastic (okay,okay, the villanelle is my favorite form poem to read -- and that includes sonnets).

As a general guide, the more subtle the form presents itself to the reader, the better.

Brad

Post A Reply Post New Topic ⇧ top of page ⇧ Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format.
navwin » Archives » Critical Analysis #1 » Obviously....A Villanelle (I think:))

Passions in Poetry | pipTalk Home Page | Main Poetry Forums | 100 Best Poems

How to Join | Member's Area / Help | Private Library | Search | Contact Us | Login
Discussion | Tech Talk | Archives | Sanctuary