Is It Ok to be Grammatically Incorrect in Poetry?

Is it acceptable to break grammatical rules in poetry? The answer is a resounding yes. Throughout the history of poetry, poets have embraced the freedom to manipulate language for artistic effect, often bending or breaking grammatical rules. This article explores why and how breaking grammatical rules can enhance poetic expression, rhythm, and impact.

Expression of Emotion

One of the primary reasons poets opt for grammatical looseness is emotional authenticity. In a poem, a poet may choose to use colloquial or non-standard language to convey their emotions more genuinely. For example, the informal yet deeply emotional line, "I don't wanna lose you, I'm scared," strikes a raw, personal chord that strict grammatical correctness might dilute.

Rhythm and Rhyme

Grammatical flexibility also plays a key role in maintaining poetic rhythm and rhyme. Poets cleverly manipulate syntax to adhere to a chosen rhythmic or rhyming pattern. Consider the famous poem by Thornton Wilder, "Our Town," which weaves complex narrative demands into rhythmical prose without sacrificing poetic effect.

Imagery and Sound

Poetic imagery and sound can be further enriched by breaking grammatical rules. Phrases like "the calm before the storm" or "a poem hung to dry" use non-standard grammar to create vivid, evocative images. The rhythmic quality of these phrases enhances the poem's emotional and auditory impact.

Freedom of Poetic Licence

Objective and subjectivity in poetic expression cannot be overstated. While some argue that grammar is paramount, others believe that the poet's intent should take precedence. Here’s why:

Poetic voice: A poet’s unique voice might require grammatical flexibility. For instance, a character in a poem might have an English accent, and the poet might switch to using non-standard grammar to create authenticity. Characterisation: Poets often use non-standard grammar to represent different characters. An educated character might speak in proper English, but a rebellious character might use slang or breakout from formal structure. Dialoque: In depicting dialogue, poets might use colloquialisms or broken grammar to capture the nuances of spoken language.

Thus, while some purists might criticize grammatical inaccuracy, many celebrated poets have found that breaking rules can enrich their work and make it more relatable.

Real-World Examples and Editing

Let’s consider a poet’s journey from initial draft to final edit. During the early stages, a poem might have rough edges in terms of grammar. A first draft might contain lines like:

"IT IS a beautiful day." "Further along, it's 'IT'S a beautiful day.' Later, the poet switches back to 'IT IS a beautiful day.'

The poet’s decision to use informal grammar underscores the dynamic and fluid nature of poetry. These changes might reflect the poet’s evolving vision or the character’s voice shifting—like an observational contrast between formal and colloquial language. Poets like to experiment and may disregard grammatical correctness to achieve the desired effect.

Testing and Editing

Ensuring accuracy and quality, even in poetry, is crucial. Poets and editors can use tools like Grammarly to catch obvious and subtle grammatical errors. While these tools can correct minor errors, poets should be cautious about compromising the intended artistic effect. The balance lies in enhancing the poem, whether it’s through better word choice or more natural rhythm, often by fine-tuning the edit until it feels right.

The Role of Poetic Licence

Ultimately, poetic licence allows poets to explore new linguistic territories. They can even create new words or forms of language for the sake of poetry. So, while grammar is important, it is not always essential. Poets often prioritize emotional resonance, rhythm, and imagery over grammatical correctness.

In summary, while it is generally accepted to be grammatically incorrect in poetry, the decision to do so depends on the poet's intent and the context of the piece. By embracing poetic licence, poets can produce works that resonate deeply with their audience.