1. Emphasis on Sound and Rhythm:
* Meter and Rhyme: Poets often use specific patterns of stressed and unstressed syllables (meter) and rhyming words to create a musical effect. This adds a layer of auditory pleasure and can contribute to the emotional impact of the poem.
* Alliteration and Assonance: These sound devices, using similar sounds in close proximity, further enhance the musicality of the poem and can create specific moods or emphasize certain words.
* Enjambment and Caesura: Enjambment, or the continuation of a phrase or sentence across lines, and caesura, or a pause within a line, can create a sense of rhythm and flow.
2. Figurative Language:
* Metaphor and Simile: Poets frequently use metaphors (implicit comparisons) and similes (explicit comparisons using "like" or "as") to create vivid imagery and deeper meaning.
* Personification: Giving human qualities to inanimate objects or abstract concepts can add a sense of life and emotion to the poem.
* Symbolism: Objects, events, or characters can be symbolic, representing larger ideas or themes.
3. Conciseness and Density:
* Imagery: Poets use strong and evocative imagery to paint pictures in the reader's mind and convey emotions.
* Conciseness: Poets often choose their words carefully, aiming for economy and impact. They pack a lot of meaning into a few words, creating a dense and layered experience.
* Subjectivity: Poets often explore their personal feelings and experiences, using the poem as a vehicle for self-expression and introspection.
4. Emphasis on Form and Structure:
* Forms like Sonnets, Haiku, and Free Verse: Poets often use specific forms with established rules for rhyme, meter, and structure. Even in free verse, poets pay close attention to the visual appearance and arrangement of words on the page.
* Stanza Breaks and Line Length: The way a poet divides lines and stanzas can influence the pace and emphasis of the poem.
5. Exploration of Emotion and Ideas:
* Theme and Symbolism: Poetry often explores complex themes and ideas in a concentrated and symbolic way, inviting the reader to interpret and engage with the meaning on a deeper level.
* Emotional Impact: Poets aim to evoke strong emotions in the reader through vivid imagery, sensory details, and carefully chosen language.
In essence, poets use language as a powerful tool for creating an immersive and impactful experience. They focus on the musicality, imagery, symbolism, and emotional resonance of language to convey their ideas and connect with their readers on a deeper level.
It's important to remember that these are general tendencies, and many poets break conventions or use language in unique ways to achieve their artistic goals. Poetry is a diverse and constantly evolving art form.