Lyric Poetry: Characteristics, Types, and Forms

Lyric Poetry: Definition and Features

Lyric poetry is a literary genre in which the author expresses their feelings subjectively. It can be written in both verse and prose.

Lyrical Attitudes

• Lyrical Emotion: External reality inspires the composition.
• Apostrophic Lyric: The poet addresses a "you," which is the constant reference in their composition.
• Language of Composition: The author focuses solely on their inner self, their vision of reality, and their experiences. This is the most lyrical attitude.

Distinguishing Features of Lyric Poetry

• Lyric texts are characterized by their brevity and concentration compared to other genres such as fiction and drama, which are distinguished by greater extension.
• The poet tries to express a thought, a feeling, or a reflection about an episode that has been internalized subjectively.
• To achieve that expression, the poet uses poetic language, rhyme, figures of speech, rhythm, and musicality.
• Poets commonly use verse, as its characteristics allow for a concise, accurate, and prepared expression. However, it can also be expressed through prose.

Types of Lyric Poetry

• Traditional or Popular Lyric: Usually anonymous and transmitted orally, created by a collective and directed at itself. It is characterized by simplicity, naturalness, and the choice of simple and popular subjects.
• Cult Lyric: Much more elaborate and complete, both in form and subject matter. It has a concrete and particular author, and is transmitted in writing. It is directed at the intelligence, reflection, or sensitivity of the reader.

Major Poetic Compositions

• Hymn: A solemn composition, sung, that expresses the ideals or sentiments of a community.
• Ode: A poem of exaltation or praise, dedicated to great characters and institutions. It has a high tone and language, sometimes similar to a hymn.
• Elegy: Expresses painful feelings, either because of personal or collective misfortune.
• Eclogue: A poetic composition in which the protagonists are pastors who dialogue about amorous issues in an idealized natural setting.
• Song: Widely cultivated in Provençal poetry to express the sentiment of love. There are ranches or lyres.
• Epistle: A verse composition in letter form that expresses doctrinal, moral, and literary ideas.
• Satire: A poetic composition used to censure vices.
• Epigram: A short poem that expresses a festive, laudatory, or satirical thought with acuity.

Minor Poetic Compositions

• Madrigal: A brief lyric poem on the theme of love.
• Epitaph: A short elegiac poem written on the headstone of a grave.
• Epithalamium: A wedding song that compliments the bride and groom.
• Letrilla: A short poem of a loving, religious, or burlesque character.
• Carol: A short poem on the theme of love.
• Others: Ballads, *jarchas*, dirges, and so on.