A Dying Art and Sudden Revival

Whether Shakespearian tales of old that fly by the heads of their readers or a hobby only the melancholy enjoy, poetry is an art form used to convey deep emotional stories and teach valuable lessons. However, many have forgone this archaic literature in favor of movies or shows. The ability to critically interpret poetry’s vague language continues to fade out and has become nothing more than an English class assignment to mull over. If not already lying in its grave, poetry consumption has staggered and is standing at death’s door.

People have relied on poetry to communicate their feelings and improve their literacy and analytical skills. It helps create an understanding of unknown concepts and introduces new perspectives. Despite this, reports of its searches have diminished significantly since 2004 even with the efforts of poetry-sharing events and attempts by the Poetry Foundation to rekindle its lost flame. The effects of such a decline can prove detrimental to literature and the human emotion it impacts.

“Without poetry, it would be harder for those who want to express themselves,” said Junior Drama Club Member Lavy Tran. “Plus, more children would lack critical thinking skills since poetry can have a deep subtext that requires a level of literary ability to comprehend.”

A variety of candidates hold responsibility for poetry’s downfall, mostly stemming from the sadness or confusion readers feel after trying to interpret the words. It requires an active effort from the audience to enjoy, while many people prefer to take the text at face value. This can be attributed to the quick, mindless forms of entertainment that technology prioritizes. The current generation finds that virtual stimuli make it easier to grasp concepts. 

“I do acknowledge that society is generally disinterested in intellectualism. The onslaught of influencers pushing content in media have lowered the bar regarding where people go for entertainment and inspiration,” IB and Dual Enrollment English Teacher Cristina Cuevas said. 

However, some argue that poetry remains alive in modernized media. It does not exist how people may remember, but poetry is in each song and speech a person listens to daily. In many eyes, poetry has never died. Instead, it continues to rebirth and adapt into the malleable fabric of society, and art forms follow suit.

“I like to remind students that poetry exists in our world, and we participate as an audience whether we know it or not,” said Cuevas. “Linguistically, it might appear different than something four hundred years old, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t poetry. Some of the stuff four hundred years old is quite a revelation when we realize it is relatable today.”

Poetry is essential to society and the language it speaks. In truth, it is the genre of poetry that dies, as poetry itself is immortal. It alters to fit the period it is in and the people who will read it. As often as one form fades, another is born and creates history.

Written by Isabella Cournyea | Graphic Designed by Isabella Cournyea

Published January 23, 2023 | ePathfinder | Feature