The Genres of Poetry

What are the Genres of Poetry?

The students of English Literature must know the genres of poetry. They should know the elements that make a poem either narrative or lyric. They should know the fundamental features of the sonnet, ode, elegy, dramatic monologue, metaphysical poetry, modern poetry, and more. The knowledge of these forms makes the students capable to interpret a poem easily. In a board view, the poems are two types-

1. Lyric
2. Ballad

The following classification may be helpful: These are also called Generic Forms.

Lyric

• Sonnet
• Elegy
• Ode
• Metaphysical poetry
• Dramatic Monologue
• Free Verse
• Hymn
• Epithalamion

Ballad

• Ballad
• Epic
• Metrical Romance