How Do You Spell VILLANELLE?

Pronunciation: [vˈɪle͡ɪnə͡l] (IPA)

The word "Villanelle" is a type of French verse consisting of 19 lines with a specific rhyme scheme. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˌvɪləˈnɛl/, with the stressed syllables on "vil" and "nel". This spelling represents the pronunciation of the word quite accurately, as the "e" at the end of the word is pronounced as a short "e" sound, similar to "ell". The "a" in "villanelle" is pronounced as a short "i" sound, as in "ill". Overall, the spelling of "Villanelle" is consistent with its pronunciation.

VILLANELLE Meaning and Definition

1. A "villanelle" is a highly structured poetic form that consists of 19 lines divided into five tercets (three-line stanzas) and one concluding quatrain (four-line stanza). The origins of the villanelle can be traced back to 16th-century France where it was popularized, but it gained prominence in English literature during the 19th and 20th centuries. This poetic form is known for its unique repetition of refrains, which contributes to its musical and melancholic quality.

   The rhyme scheme of a villanelle follows a pattern of ABA for the first five tercets and ABAA for the concluding quatrain. The first line of the opening tercet is repeated as a refrain in the third and fifth tercets, while the third line of the opening tercet is repeated as a refrain in the fourth and final stanza. This repetition helps to establish a haunting and hauntingly repetitive nature throughout the poem.

   Although a villanelle can explore a wide range of themes, it often delves into deeply emotional and introspective subjects such as mortality, love, loss, or inner turmoil. The strict form and repetition of the villanelle often evoke a sense of tension and confinement, providing a platform for the exploration of complex emotions.

   Renowned poets such as Dylan Thomas, Elizabeth Bishop, and Sylvia Plath have successfully employed the villanelle form in their works, contributing to its enduring place in the realm of poetic expression.

Common Misspellings for VILLANELLE

• villanel
• cillanelle
• billanelle
• gillanelle
• fillanelle
• vullanelle
• vjllanelle
• vkllanelle
• vollanelle
• v9llanelle
• v8llanelle
• viklanelle
• viplanelle
• violanelle
• vilkanelle
• vilpanelle
• viloanelle
• villznelle
• villsnelle
• villwnelle

Etymology of VILLANELLE

The word "villanelle" has its origins in Italian. It is derived from the word "villano", which means "peasant" or "rustic". The term "villanelle" was initially used to describe a rustic song or dance that originated in 16th-century Italy, typically accompanied by a string instrument called a "vielle". Over time, the term came to be associated with a specific form of poetry composed of 19 lines with a rhyming scheme and a repetition of certain lines. The modern meaning of "villanelle" has evolved to refer to a specific poem form with fixed rules and structure.

Plural form of VILLANELLE is VILLANELLES