Have you written poetry before? It is the purest form of art in a way, putting your emotions on paper with meaning and purpose. Literature has been a part of humanity as one can remember and we’ve seen numerous developments in literature as well. In the old-time, literature was about making an impression perhaps a change. A reflection of morals, how one should like, and supporting religious messages. Whereas now, the idea of modern literature is beyond one’s convention, it doesn’t have boundaries and focuses more on how people have done things which is realistic. Let’s know How to write an ODE?
In the long list of poetries and proses, each type holds importance in itself. The way poetry rules the world in artistic expression is exquisite. To a margin, humans revolve around literature, and literature revolves around humans. In this enormous field of spreading magic with words, the ode has ruled the hearts of people since the 17th century. An ode is a form of poetry that portrays the intellectual or emotional behavior of humans lyrically. The ode was generated in Greece, where it was used to deliver happiness and cheerfulness.
The whole concept of the ode includes types, writing, and delivery. So, let’s discuss some parts of it and get to know what ode is? And then, how you can write an ode.
WHAT IS AN ODE?
An ode came into existence from Greek origin, which in old times was used to glorify an event mostly athletics. The purpose was to celebrate athletic victories publicly, where the ode was sung or recited to be accompanied by music. In later times, the idea of the ode was fancied by English romantic poets and ever since became an instrument to express strong, rich emotions using descriptive language. Odes are popular as personal lyrical compositions because they are either sung or recited, with or without music.
The modern era describes the ode as a collection of emotions that pours praise and compassion. With time, numerous styles and types of odes are developed. And today, there are known to have three major types of Odes; the Pindaric, Horatian, and irregular. Other than these, one more form is known called as the homostrophic ode. The classic structure of an ode comprises three parts, the strophe, the antistrophe, and the epode. The terms aren’t getting clear? Well, this is the world of poetry. Let’s get into the depth of it.
The three major parts of an Ode:
- The strophe (beginning): In the classic style of writing odes, strophe was two or more repeated lines as a single unit which marked the beginning of the poem. Typically, a strophe is a distinct unit in a poem that may be present in any verse.
- The antistrophe (middle): The counter of a strophe name suggests. There are structured the same way as strophe but answer to the strophe. The main idea is to be connected to the strophe but in the opposite manner. Usually. The antistrophe is meant to offer a thematic counterbalance.
- The epode (end): It’s the endpoint hence, the conclusion of the ode. This section is to have a certain length and size which directs the whole ode to a point. To say, it gives a summary to reflect the main idea of the ode.
In Greek culture, the ode was performed in Greek games where the ode was represented as a theatrical song and dance. Generally, the length of the strophe and antistrophe are the same, and the epode has its length nothing specific.
Now, when we have discussed the structure of the ode. Let us briefly pick up the types of odes. There are three categories of odes as mentioned above.
The types of Odes:
- Pindaric: Pindar ode is infamous among boys and young men who won Greek games and get to have an ode. The name is after a popular Greek ancient lyrical poet Pindar. The Pindaric ode came to life in the 5th century BC. The Pindaric ode in action is used to be fun and engaging, in the performance the chorus moves from one corner to the other, representing the different sections of the ode. A side is for strophe and the other or opposite is for antistrophe. The middle or center stage is for the end; the epode. Pindaric odes are a collection of passion and emotions with the continuation of a song. One of the best odes ever written is by William Wordsworth, ‘Ode on Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood.
- Horatian: Basically, the very first ode to exist the Latin poet Horace in the 1st century BC originated the Horatian Ode. This type is more focused on personal feelings of intimacy, love, and epics. And can be considered as love letters too. The focal point for this ode was to deliver the message of compassion for someone or something. The ideas for a Horatian Ode surround friendship, love, and poetry itself. The structural parts of Horatian Ode don’t have a definite length. However, these types of odes often rhyme and are written in two or four stanzas. John Keats is known to be the popular master of the Horatian Ode. A few of Keats’ works are ‘Ode on a Grecian Urn’, ‘To Autumn’, and ‘Ode to a nightingale’.
- Irregular: The irregular odes share the same ground as Pindaric and Horatian odes. But are less strict in respect to structure and rhyme schemes in comparison to the rest two odes. After the English poet Abraham Cowley, it is also called the Cowleyan Ode. A great irregular ode is by Allen Tate, ‘Ode to the Confederate Dead’.
The different types of odes signify various structures, styles, topics, and presentations. Overall, the odes have provided a medium to convey passion, strong feelings, and compassion towards an object or subject. The essence of poetry is emotion, and that is what we live for. As quoted in the movie, the dead poets’ society; ‘Medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits, and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.’
Now, are you excited to write an Ode? Will you try to? Then we end on the question, how to write an ode? Come we have found an easy and best way to write an ode.
HOW DO YOU WRITE AN ODE?
There are major steps to cover while writing an ode or poetry in general. This is a descriptive text to make sure by the end of reading this article, you will be able to write an ode.
BEFORE THE ODE
1. IMPORTANT WHAT SUBJECT MATTER YOU PICK
Poetry has been all about compassion. So, choose a topic you feel passionate about. Something or someone that moves you encourages you and gives you a perspective to see new things. The focus is the more you enjoy writing an ode, the much more the readers will enjoy in return. Brainstorm a collection of things you have a connection with. It can be anything, a small moment, a realization, and even a memory. No doubt odes are personal so, explore your heart when you choose the topic and not your mind.
2. ADD AN EXCITING ELEMENT
Odes have been found best with humorous context. The ode is a compilation of emotions that can make one’s heart sink into the matter. Thus, breaking the emotional barrage could help to cope up or overwhelm emotions. In addition to that, humor can be a medium to find common ground for something most people related to. This will provide your readers get connected to your poetry and ultimately understanding the ode better. In this way, any genre you feel comfortable in can be added, like romance, thriller, gothic, or funny which uplifts the essence of an ode to connect deeply with the audience.
3. GAIN PERSPECTIVE FROM FAMOUS POETS
Read! Read a lot because you are going to need it. Other works can provide you an idea to go in which direction with your work and inspires you to write something. The classic odes are works of art that can help you understand and create an ode precisely.
4. TALK, GAIN, RECEIVE
Sometimes it can be difficult to choose a topic. You feel strongly for something, but then go blank with writing. In this scenario, we highly recommend talking to your close ones. Friends or families with whom you share your thought, they may guide in the right direction. Sometimes, with having a conversation with a loved one effortlessly topic emerges itself.
IN THE POEM
1. YOUR ODE, YOUR STRUCTURE
Yes, Odes have specific structures but it isn’t mandatory to follow all. You may go with irregular type first so that, there are no boundaries for structure and rhyming scheme. If you are willing to go for a formal structure. The classic structure may provide a much formal approach than an irregular ode.
2. CRAFT WHAT IS NEEDED
Think about poetry as your canvas and the structure, rhyme, and length of your paints. For more freedom, you can always opt for irregular form. But even in that, it is important to have a rhyming scheme; write it down, and the desired length you want your ode to being. Some people like to set all features of the ode before writing. However, it is totally up to you how you want to approach your ode. You can also add descriptions and associations, verbs relating to your subject, and valid points for the core of the matter. Write your heart out, also using the brain to construct a beautiful composition for your emotion. Weave your thoughts one at a time, and invest time in writing as much as possible.
AFTER THE POEM
1. EDIT, OMIT, PROOFREAD
The final stage is to read your ode and see if all sections fit right. Read and reread your ode to fix things if anything doesn’t feel right. Make sure you edit and omit your ode. New ideas may emerge later and you can add them to it. Reading your ode aloud can help you to realize how it is going to sound in front of the audience. And it can point out the words which do not sound right together, somewhere you stumble, or any grammatical mistake.
2. SHARE YOUR ODE WITH OTHERS
Before delivering to an audience, you can ask your friend to read your ode. He/she can provide their thoughts on the ode, and opens the way to feedbacks which can help you edit your ode. This can also help to accept constructive criticism as well. You can also recite your ode to a bunch of people, which can give you a perspective of reciting in front of an audience. And the more the merrier, right?
CONCLUSION
The idea of ode or overall poetry is discussed in the best possible way. It is clear what are the key concepts to have in mind to write an ode. If you want to become a better poet you have to put in the effort. Writing a single piece of poetry takes much more from a poet than we give it credit for. When you write an ode your head should in the delivery of the ode, the subject, and the connection. Once you set your thoughts to get out on the paper, even if it’s trashed no big deal. We always learn from ourselves, don’t we? That’s the magic poetry holds in itself too.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION
1. What are the tips to write an Ode?
The straightforward thing is to be aware of what you are writing. It may be subjective but it is more preferred to be clear with your thoughts when writing poetry. Write when you are not chaotic with your matter. It is important to deliver clear, understandable, and touchy lines or words to serve the purpose of odes.
2. How long should my ode be and what rhyming scheme to follow?
Types of odes differ with different lengths and rhyming schemes. Thus, as per the need, you can go for any type of ode. Usually, any ode consists of at least one stanza in each section.
