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How to Write a Narrative Poem
Learn to write a narrative poem, structure of a narrative poem and effective tips on writing a good narrative poem.
Poem Types: What is a Narrative Poem
The ever fresh narrative poems are known as story poems which hold the strongest position in oldest literature forms. Way before, there was a time when printed books were common. People were in the habit of narrating stories through rhyme, creating a rhythm, narrative poems, clear language and repetition in order to create an attention arousing impact which is easy to share as well as remember.
Few Examples of Famous Narrative Poems
There are some narrative poems which are lengthy especially the ones which are shiningly old such as the Raven by Edgar Allen Poe, the Divine Comedy by Dante, the Canterbury tales by Geoffrey Chaucer, the Odyssey by homer (famous poet of Greek). Narrative poems are not necessarily long; they can be short with an intense captivation of one’s minds depicted through emotions and mysterious happenings.
The Eternal Shine of Narrative Poems
There are various old narrative poems which follow a specific rhyme structure and rhythm. If we throw light on narrative poems of the current era, they are composed with independent rhythms and the absence of rhyme. This makes a room to move back n forth. Like all other stories, narrative poems also comprises of the same theme by having a start, middle and ending and at least a single protagonist or character in it. Stories expressed by fascinating narrative poems are mostly compelling, attention seeking and dramatic accompanied with detailed events for instance epic battles, lovely romances and stories on finding treasure.
Structure of a Narrative Poem
Various poetic methods or structures are used in creating narrative poems. Free verse is considered the most reasonable type as compared with others. Narrative poems to this day are blended with a particular formal meter and rhyme structure. Although, it’s entirely up to the poets will which way to opt; you are even allowed to formulate a structure and rhythm of narrative poem. That could be done with the help of classics like the Terza Rima of Dante or you have the option to opt and find a rhythm of your own and coming up with a new rhythm that could be savored by all.
Tips on How to Write a Narrative Poem
1. Think About the Main Character in Detail
Stress yourself in thinking about one main character of your choice in the story. That specific character can be an animal as well as a person. The phenomenon about narrative poems are that they normally emphasize on living beings. Importantly, write a rough draft about your character so that you have a clear picture of him or her in mind.
If you are interested in writing a character analysis report, here’s an article to help you out in writing a perfect character analysis.
2. Begin With a General Outline
Don’t forget to begin with an outline which is general and strictly related to your narrative poem. This includes a very essential question that would ultimately pop up in your skull:
what would be the happenings of that character or what his main role revolves around the whole poem?
3. Pick an Event or Happening to Create a Situation
To have a gripping beginning, pick a happening or event. Although, you are at a free will in writing narrative poem but despite the fact, you are not preferred to start in a random or casual manner. Bringing up of an event or happening will help you depict the actual thought, feel and visual to the poem. Having a prefect idea or thought wired in your mind, will help you make a perfect situation.
Explore out Creative Writing section to get ideas from the experts and professional writers.
4. Focus on Composing Your Poem
Once you own a clear view of what character you desire and after imposing a certain situation, event or happening start writing the poem with complete attention. Stay focused on what you truly want to say.
5. Devote Yourself While Writing
One wonderful aspect about poetry or narrative poems are that they are felt. They come straight from the poet’s body, soul and heart. The fragile concepts about poems are that none of the poems are wrong nor the poet is at fault in writing them.
6. Representation of Idea
You can represent any form of idea or emotion in your poem. As long as you have an idea which greatly lacks any equivocal thought, start putting them into words. Make yourself heard by portraying your clear views and the words will reach your mind automatically.
7. Make Your Poem Catchy
Include fiction, facts and tiny bits of personal realities to the poem. You can take support of several delightful, entertaining and alluring myths. That will help in creating a firm grip on the narrative poem throughout. But stay conscious and prevent yourself from writing a story that involves mysticism.
8. Use of Appropriate Words
Be wise enough in choosing words. Right choice of words will be highly regarded and appreciated by the readers. This is achieved with the use if clear adjective and words that draws a vivid picture in your mind. Technically, a poet should not throw his or her words away creating uncertainties in your narrative poem. For instance you are writing about a dog and a cat. What would you say? A black dog was seen chasing a white cat. That won’t be it. It’s necessary to mention the overall appearance of the cat and dog.
