By Structure:
* Long poems/Epics: These are lengthy narratives often dealing with grand themes, complex characters, and intricate plots. Examples: *The Odyssey*, *Paradise Lost*, *The Cantos*.
* Formal poetry: Sonnets, villanelles, sestinas, etc. require strict rhyme schemes, meter, and often complex structures that add layers of meaning.
* Free verse: While lacking traditional structure, free verse poetry can use innovative language, syntax, and punctuation to create complexity. This may require close reading and contemplation to understand the poem's full meaning.
By Content:
* Philosophical poetry: Explores deep questions of existence, consciousness, morality, etc. Often uses abstract language, complex metaphors, and requires careful analysis. Examples: poems by T.S. Eliot, Wallace Stevens, Emily Dickinson.
* Metaphysical poetry: Employs wit, paradox, and intricate intellectual arguments. Examples: John Donne, Andrew Marvell.
* Surrealist poetry: Uses dream imagery, illogical juxtapositions, and the subconscious mind to create a disorienting, complex experience. Examples: André Breton, Salvador Dalí.
By Language and Style:
* Poetry using archaic language: Poetry that employs outdated vocabulary and syntax can be challenging to understand and interpret. Examples: Medieval poetry, Elizabethan poetry.
* Poetry with complex imagery and symbolism: Poems that rely heavily on dense metaphors, allegories, and symbolism can be difficult to decipher. Examples: William Blake, Sylvia Plath.
* Poetry with intricate rhyme and meter: Some poems use complex rhyme schemes and irregular meters that require close attention to appreciate their musicality and rhythmic complexity. Examples: *The Canterbury Tales*, *The Faerie Queen*.
Beyond Specific Types:
* Poems with multiple layers of meaning: Many complex poems offer multiple interpretations, depending on the reader's perspective and understanding.
* Poems that challenge traditional assumptions: Complex poems may challenge societal norms, offer alternative perspectives, or explore difficult topics in a provocative way.
* Poems with an ambiguous or open ending: These leave the reader with questions, requiring them to engage in further contemplation and interpretation.
Ultimately, what makes a poem "complex" is subjective and depends on individual preferences and the reader's level of experience with poetry. It's important to remember that complex doesn't necessarily mean "difficult" or "unenjoyable." Complex poems can be rewarding and enriching experiences if approached with an open mind and a willingness to delve deeper into their meaning.