The word "Lenvoi" is a term used in poetry which refers to a short stanza appearing at the end of a poem, addressed to a particular person or group. The term is pronounced as /lɑ̃vwa/, with the French nasal vowel sound represented by the tilde symbol over the "a". This sound can be challenging for English speakers to produce correctly, but is essential to the correct pronunciation of the word. The spelling of "Lenvoi" is influenced by its French origins, and the IPA phonetic transcription helps to clarify its pronunciation.
Lenvoi, also spelled as "Envoi," is a literary term used to describe a short concluding stanza or verse, often found at the end of a poem or ballad. Typically, an envoi is used to sum up the main message or theme of the poem, and it may also serve as a direct address to the reader or listener. Additionally, the envoi can act as a farewell or dedication to a specific person, place, or idea.
The term "lenvoi" originated from French, where it literally means "sending." In medieval poetry, the envoi was used to send the work to a patron or dedicatee. Over time, its function expanded to include various purposes, such as expressing sentiments of gratitude, requesting forgiveness, or encapsulating the overall moral of the piece.
In terms of structure, the envoi is typically brief, containing a few lines or stanzas. It may mirror the form of the poem it concludes, or it might contrast in meter and rhyme scheme to create a sense of closure. While the envoi traditionally appeared at the end of a poem, contemporary poets sometimes employ it within the body of their work to provide a mini-conclusion or perspective shift.
Overall, the envoi serves as a poetic device that adds a sense of finality, introspection, or reflection to a piece. Its concise nature allows authors to encapsulate their intentions, create a lasting impact, and leave a memorable impression on the audience.
The word "Lenvoi" has its origins in Old French. It comes from the verb "envoier", which means "to send" or "to dispatch" in French. In medieval French literature, an "envoy" or "lenvoy" referred to a short concluding section or verse at the end of a poem or song, often addressed to the audience or intended recipient. This term entered the English language in the 14th century as "Lenvoy" or "Envoy" and has been used in English poetry to denote a similar concluding section or a final message or thought addressed to the reader.