FROM SONNETS TO FREE VERSE: LITERARY TERMS THAT SHAPE POETIC FORM

Poetry, as an art form, is defined by its structure, rhythm, and linguistic precision, encapsulated in literary terms that govern its form. This article traces the evolution of poetic forms from the structured elegance of the sonnet to the liberated rhythms of free verse, examining key literary terms such as rhyme, meter, stanza, enjambment, and caesura that shape these forms. By analyzing traditional forms like the sonnet, villanelle, and sestina alongside modern free verse, the article highlights how these terms provide poets with tools to balance constraint and creativity. Historical contexts, from the Renaissance to the modernist movement, frame the discussion, illustrating how shifts in cultural and philosophical thought influenced poetic structure. The article concludes that while forms and terms evolve, their interplay continues to define poetry’s expressive power. This exploration offers insights for students, scholars, and poets seeking to understand the mechanics and artistry of poetic form. Keywords: Poetry, sonnet, free verse, literary terms, rhyme, meter, stanza, enjambment, caesura, poetic form