What is Poetic License?
The freedom to break grammar rules and use unconventional language in order to create an artistic effect.
License to Break the Rules: Understanding Poetic License
Poetic license is the writer's freedom to break rules of grammar, syntax, and diction in order to create a desired effect. By using nonstandard structures, misused words, or invented metaphors, poets can convey a sense of emotion, ambiguity, or identity that would be hard to express in regular language.
But how far can you take poetic license? Some argue that too much dry humor, irony, or absurdity can be detrimental to the reader's understanding of the piece, or that certain cultural references or stereotypes can be offensive or misrepresentative. Others say that the poet should use language playfully, but still respect the principles of clarity, coherence, and audience awareness.
Ultimately, poetic license is a way to experiment with language, challenge norms, and express yourself in an unconventional manner. Whether you're writing a sonnet, a haiku, or a free verse, remember that every word you choose, and every rule you break, should serve a purpose in enhancing the overall impact of your work.
Here are two examples of how poetic license has been used in literature to enhance the language of the work and convey the author's artistic vision.
This 1915 poem uses fragmented syntax, obscure imagery, and ironic allusions to create a sense of anxiety, insecurity, and social alienation. One famous example of poetic license occurs in lines 20-22: 'The yellow fog that rubs its back upon the window-panes, / The yellow smoke that rubs its muzzle on the window-panes, / Licked its tongue into the corners of the evening.'
In this 1883 novel, the author uses pirate jargon and Caribbean slang to add flavor and authenticity to the setting and characters, despite the fact that some of the words and expressions may not be historically accurate. For instance, Long John Silver uses the phrase 'shiver me timbers' to express surprise or frustration, even though the origin or the phrase is uncertain.