Concrete verse is a type of poetry that emphasizes the visual arrangement of words on the page. The spelling of "concrete" is pronounced as "kɒnkriːt" in IPA phonetic transcription. The stress falls on the second syllable, and the "o" is pronounced as a short "o" sound. The spelling of "verse" is pronounced as "vɜrs", with the stress falling on the first syllable. This type of poetry is known for breaking traditional poetic rules and using typography to create meaning and nuance in the text.
Concrete verse is a form of poetry that primarily focuses on the visual arrangement and physical appearance of words on the page or screen, rather than following traditional poetic conventions like rhyme scheme or meter. Also known as shape poetry or visual poetry, concrete verse experiments with typography, spacing, and layout to create meaning and evoke emotions.
In concrete verse, the physical form of the poem is an essential aspect of its overall composition and message. The arrangement and shape of the words can visually represent or enhance the theme or subject matter of the poem. For example, a concrete poem about a tree might be shaped like the branches and leaves of a tree, using the words themselves as the artistic medium.
The visual elements of concrete verse can include curves, angles, or bold lettering to create dynamic, expressive compositions. The placement and spacing of words can also convey rhythm or movement within the poem. By manipulating these visual and spatial aspects, concrete verse allows the poet to explore and communicate meaning beyond the confines of traditional poetic devices.
Concrete verse can often be seen as a fusion of literary and visual art, blurring the boundaries between poetry and graphic design. It challenges readers to engage with the poem in a more interactive and visual way, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the artistic possibilities of language.
The term "concrete verse" originated in the mid-20th century and refers to a type of poetry that visually represents the meaning or theme it conveys through its typography, layout, or visual arrangement on the page.
The word "concrete" itself comes from the Latin word "concretus", which means "grown together" or "hardened". It was first used in the English language around the 14th century to represent something solid or tangible. Over time, "concrete" also began to convey the idea of being specific, particular, or explicit in its meaning.
In terms of poetry, "concrete verse" can be traced back to the European avant-garde movements of the early 20th century, such as Dadaism and Futurism, which experimented with the visual layout of words and symbols on the page.