But, but ... there was a time when the sonnet was "unusual and novel," no? Every form from terza rima to the constanza was unusual and novel to begin with. Those that don't serve don't survive.
Yes...and perhaps. A form gets invented and at some point gathers enough adherents that some significant poems are generated. But there are so many disposable forms being promulgated. Language games really. I once heard a significant poet, A E Stallings, read a poem in which each stanza was a limerick. That was an experience I wouldn't want to repeat.
But, but ... there was a time when the sonnet was "unusual and novel," no? Every form from terza rima to the constanza was unusual and novel to begin with. Those that don't serve don't survive.
ReplyDeleteYes...and perhaps. A form gets invented and at some point gathers enough adherents that some significant poems are generated. But there are so many disposable forms being promulgated. Language games really. I once heard a significant poet, A E Stallings, read a poem in which each stanza was a limerick. That was an experience I wouldn't want to repeat.
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