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Why Poetry?

Should one be exposed to poetry from an early age? Does poetry have any real relevance in the modern world? Is there any tangible benefit to the student who studies poetry as part of their study of the English language? Emphatically, the answer to all of these questions is yes. Indeed, I would go as far as to say that the student who has not mastered the basic tenets of poetry cannot claim to have mastered the language at all. This applies not just to poetry aimed at adults but also to poetry specifically written for children; there is even an opportunity to study children’s poetry at Cambridge University should one feel so inclined!

The Poet Laureate from 1999-2009, Andrew Motion, whilst not a writer of children’s literature, nonetheless devoted much of his time whilst the incumbent Poet Laureate, to finding out what was available to students and how poetry teaching and resources could be improved. His words on the importance of poetry are far more eloquent than mine could ever be:

“Every possible effort should be made to promote the appreciation of poetry, and encourage its creation. Through the mingled sense and non-sense of poetry, through the charge of its rhythms and the magnetism of its rhymes, through the various colourations and configurations of its language, it allows children to feel a profound sense of connection with their interior spaces, and also to make links with the wider world which lies around them. It is a representation of life, which is also a kind of life in itself - a self-sufficient delight, which is simultaneously a way of looking forward and preparing to meet the future; a confirmation of the self, which nevertheless allows the growth of sympathy with others.” 

Through these words, we can see that poetry is not only highly beneficial in terms of learning the melody and rhythm of the language, its cadences and so forth but it also has a profound effect on the individual as regards personal growth and understanding of self. 

So should we believe the words of Andrew Motion? Well, as the Poet Laureate, he was certainly in good company with the likes of Dryden, Wordsworth, Tennyson, Day-Lewis and many other extraordinary masters of the language.

Poetry is the closest thing we have to the beauty of nature in written form. To describe the indescribable is one of the ultimate challenges of poetry and to master poetry is one of the ultimate challenges of the student. If you want full dexterity in your use of English, you must pit yourself against the rigours of the study of poetry and if you prevail, you will have achieved something that will set you apart from the rest.