The Importance of Reading Poetry Aloud in English Classes
Poetry has long been revered for its ability to evoke deep emotions and profound insights within its readers. However, despite the efforts of educators to expose students to great works of poetry, the teaching of this art form often falls short due to a lack of emphasis on orality. Traditional approaches to teaching poetry often present it as a static, abstract object on a page, encouraging students to view poems as puzzles to be solved. However, history has shown that poems are best understood and appreciated when they are treated as oral performances, utilizing all the techniques of interpretation and communication employed by skilled actors.
From personal experience, I can attest to the limitations of the conventional textual method of teaching poetry. During a British literature class, we studied the works of John Donne, and I found myself confronted with page after page of elegant yet cryptic verses. The enigmatic sentences and obscure rhymes left me feeling disconnected from the visceral impact I had experienced while reading my favorite novels. It seemed as though poems were reserved for the intellectual elite, rather than being accessible to all who sought to engage with them.
It wasn’t until my second year of college that I stumbled upon a YouTube channel called Spoken Verse, hosted by the talented Tom O’Bedlam. His captivating recitations of classic poems, such as Tennyson’s “Ulysses,” breathed new life into these timeless works. Through his expressive delivery, I was able to truly hear the voice of the poet and immerse myself in the imagery and emotions conveyed by the poems. The difference between reading a poem silently and hearing it recited aloud was akin to meeting a character in person rather than merely reading about them on a page.
Philosopher Richard Rorty’s poignant essay, “The Fire of Life,” further underscores the transformative power of reciting poetry from memory. As he grappled with a terminal illness, Rorty found solace in the rhythmic cadence and lyrical beauty of Swinburne’s verses. He discovered that the act of reciting poetry offered him a sense of calm and comfort that prose could not provide. Rorty’s reflections highlight the profound impact that poetry can have on our emotional and spiritual well-being, transcending the limitations of language to touch our innermost selves.
The Art of Poetry as Performance
Before poetry existed as written text, it was conceived as a performance art, closely intertwined with music. The ancient Greek concept of “mousikḗ” encompassed both the lyrics of musical songs and instrumental harmonies, highlighting the intrinsic connection between poetry and music. In modern times, spoken word and slam poetry continue to blur the lines between poetry and music, underscoring the fluid nature of these art forms.
Poetry, like music, offers a structured experience that elicits physiological and psychological responses from its audience. While poetry relies on words and concepts for its expression, its true power lies in the performance itself. Across cultures, poetry has its roots in music, drawing upon the wordless meanings and emotional resonances that linger in its rhythms and rhymes. By engaging with poetry as a performance, we can tap into its transformative potential and experience its profound impact on our senses and emotions.
John Milton’s epic poem, “Lycidas,” serves as a prime example of poetry as a ritualistic and oratorical performance. Written to commemorate the untimely death of his college friend, Edward King, Milton’s elegy explores themes of loss, mortality, and spiritual redemption. Through masterful use of language and imagery, Milton guides the listener through a journey of grief, despair, and ultimately, hope and renewal. The progression of emotions and ideas within “Lycidas” mirrors the ebb and flow of life itself, inviting readers to ponder the complexities of human existence.
By experiencing “Lycidas” through recitation, listeners can immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of emotions and meanings woven by Milton. The poem’s intricate layers of symbolism and allegory come to life through the spoken word, allowing audiences to connect with its themes on a visceral level. Through the act of reciting “Lycidas,” we participate in a timeless tradition of oral storytelling, passing down the wisdom and beauty of Milton’s words to future generations.
Fostering a Love of Poetry Through Performance
In the classroom, the act of reading poetry aloud can serve as a powerful tool for engaging students and fostering a deeper appreciation for this art form. By encouraging students to recite poems with passion and emotion, educators can instill a love of poetry that transcends mere academic study. Through interactive activities such as dialogue poems and duet recitations, students can actively participate in the creative process of bringing poetry to life.
Teachers play a crucial role in modeling the value of reading and memorizing poems, demonstrating the importance of engaging with poetry as a performative art. By incorporating elements of theatricality and expressive reading into their lessons, educators can inspire students to embrace the beauty and power of poetry. Additionally, the use of quality recordings and online resources can provide students with access to a diverse range of poetic performances, enriching their understanding and appreciation of this art form.
Ultimately, the act of reciting poetry is not merely a technical exercise but a profound expression of our shared humanity. Through the spoken word, poets bridge the gap between past and present, inviting us to explore the depths of our emotions and the complexities of our existence. By embracing poetry as a performative art, we can unlock its transformative potential and keep the flame of creativity and expression alive for generations to come.