The Lyric: An Essay

Name: The Lyric: An Essay
Author: John Drinkwater

By John Drinkwater

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Essays, Letters & Speeches Poetry

About This Book

An essay examines the nature, sources, and formal characteristics of lyric poetry, arguing that poetry is principally a precise ordering of words and that lyric emerges when poetic energy is unalloyed by other impulses. It reviews past definitions and the impulse that moves poets, invokes a concise defining formula, and contrasts examples to show how mood, sincerity, and social affect can alter poetic intensity. The essay then analyzes lyric forms, stressing brevity and concentrated tension, considers song and popular appeal, and closes with reflections on classification and the conditions that sustain lyric expression.

About the Author

John Drinkwater

John Drinkwater was an English poet, playwright, and biographer, known for his contributions to early 20th-century literature. His works often explore historical figures and themes, as seen in his notable plays such as "Abraham Lincoln" and "Oliver Cromwell." Drinkwater's poetry, including collections like "Poems, 1908-1919" and "Tides: A Book of Poems," reflects his lyrical style and engagement with the poetic traditions of his time. Additionally, he wrote critical studies on influential figures like William Morris, showcasing his interest in the intersection of literature and history. Drinkwater's diverse body of work continues to be appreciated for its artistic and cultural significance.