"Don Juan Canto-I"

Poetry | Lord Byron
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What is 'Poetic License'?

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What is 'poetic license'?

Or, What does the poetic license allow Byron to narrate?

In literature, 'poetic license' refers to poets' or writers' freedom to depart from conventional rules or forms. In his epic poem "Don Juan," Lord Byron employs this poetic license extensively. He deforms traditional rules to craft an engaging and thought-provoking narrative. Here are key aspects of poetic license in "Don Juan Canto I (1819)" by Lord Byron (1788 – 1824).

Creative Liberties with Language and Form: Poetic license allows poets to play with words, phrases, and ideas. They can use creative liberties like changing grammar and punctuation or adding new words. For instance, poets might use uncommon metaphors, similes, or exaggerations in regular writing. Byron frequently utilizes unconventional rhyme schemes, meter variations, and fluid structures that deviate from classical poetic norms. He blends humor, satire, serious themes, and irregular stanza lengths to create a dynamic rhythm. This captures the reader's attention. For instance, in the opening stanza, he writes:

I want a hero: an uncommon wan

t,

When every year and month sends forth a new one,

Till, after cloying the gazettes with cant,

The age discovers he is not the true one.

Here, Byron's manipulation of rhythm and rhyme reveals his departure from strict poetic conventions.

Social and Political Commentary: Poetic license lets poets stretch or bend reality. They can take liberties with facts, time, or logic to create a more vivid or symbolic representation of a subject. Byron uses poetic license to satirizes societal norms, political institutions, and cultural practices of his time. Through Juan's adventures and encounters, he satirizes the hypocrisy and follies of the aristocracy. This offers commentary on morality, love, and the human condition. His freedom in portraying these themes reflects poetic license as a tool for social criticism.

Emotional Depth and Introspection: Ultimately, poetic license fuels creativity. It encourages poets to explore thoughts and emotions. Through poetic license, Byron delves into Juan's inner thoughts and emotions. He was passing his time with loneliness and dissatisfaction. Byron says,

Thus would he while his lonely hours away,

Dissatisfied, nor knowing what he wanted

In conclusion, the poetic license allows the poet not to follow the strict guidelines of everyday language. It's about experimenting and creating a language of emotions and imagery that transcends the ordinary rules of writing.

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Lord Byron
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from "Don Juan Canto-I"