Long poems that tell a story often have complex characters. Since they have more space to develop, the characters can be multi - dimensional. For example, in 'The Divine Comedy', Dante encounters various figures in Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise, each with their own backstories and personalities. Another characteristic is the elaborate plot. These poems can cover a wide range of events and time periods, like in 'The Odyssey' which spans Odysseus' many years of wandering.
One characteristic is the use of detailed descriptions. In long narrative poems, the poet can take time to describe the settings, like in 'Beowulf' where the mead - hall Heorot is vividly described. They also tend to have a moral or lesson. For example, 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' has themes about respecting nature. And they often use a consistent narrative voice throughout the poem to keep the story flowing smoothly.
Well, long poems that tell a story usually have a strong narrative arc. They start with an introduction of the situation or characters, like in 'The Song of Hiawatha' where we first learn about the setting and Hiawatha's birth. They also have a middle part full of conflict and development, and an ending that resolves the story in some way. These poems may also incorporate elements of the culture they come from, such as the Native American traditions in 'The Song of Hiawatha' or the Christian beliefs in 'Paradise Lost'.
One characteristic is a complex plot. Since they are long, they can develop a story with many twists and turns, like in 'The Odyssey' where Odysseus faces numerous challenges on his journey home. Another is the use of vivid characters. These poems often have well - developed characters that drive the story forward. For example, Beowulf in 'Beowulf' is a very strong and heroic character. Also, they usually have a strong sense of setting. In 'The Divine Comedy', Dante describes the different levels of Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven in great detail, which helps to set the mood and context of the story.
Long narrative poems that tell a story often have complex characters. For example, in 'The Iliad', Achilles is a multi - faceted character with his pride and his sense of honor. They also have a clear plot structure. Like in 'The Odyssey', Odysseus' journey has a beginning, middle and end. And they usually use vivid language to describe the settings, such as the war - torn Troy in 'The Iliad' or the magical islands in 'The Odyssey'.
Well, they often have vivid characters. Just like in 'The Hunting of the Snark', the Snark itself is a very mysterious and funny character concept. And there are all these other odd characters on the hunt. Another characteristic is unexpected plot twists. In 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner', you don't expect all the strange things that happen after the mariner shoots the albatross. Also, wordplay is common. In many such poems, the poets play with words to create humor. For example, using puns or creating new words that add to the comical effect of the story.
They usually contain unexpected twists and turns. For example, in 'The Raven', the repeated appearance of the raven and its single word response 'Nevermore' is quite unexpected and adds to the darkly humorous nature of the story. The element of surprise keeps the reader engaged and amused throughout the long poem.
A good long poems story often has rich imagery. For example, in 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner', the detailed descriptions of the sea and the strange events create vivid pictures in the reader's mind. It also usually has a strong narrative arc, like in 'Paradise Lost' where the story of the fall of man unfolds in a very structured way.
One characteristic is a clear narrative arc. Just like in a short story or a novel, there is a beginning, middle, and end. For example, in 'The Highwayman', it starts with introducing the highwayman and his love for Bess, then there's the conflict when the redcoats come, and finally the tragic end. Another characteristic is the use of vivid imagery to bring the story to life. In 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner', the descriptions of the sea, the ice, and the strange creatures make the story more engaging. Also, there is often a central character or characters that the story revolves around.
Well, these poems usually have a plot. Just like in a short story, there is a problem or conflict. In 'Casey at the Bat', the conflict is Casey's need to hit the ball to win the game. They also tend to have a narrative arc. Starting from an introduction, like in 'Paul Revere's Ride' where we are introduced to Paul Revere, then rising action such as his ride through the night, a climax when he warns the people, and a resolution. Moreover, the language is often descriptive to bring the story to life, for instance, the vivid descriptions in 'Goblin Market' of the goblin fruits.
These poems may also rely on the power of suggestion. Instead of telling a story, they give hints and let the reader's imagination fill in the blanks. For example, a poem might describe a strange object and leave it up to the reader to decide what it means or what it might be related to, rather than spelling out a story.
Often, they use a lot of gloomy or dark imagery. For example, in 'The Raven' by Edgar Allan Poe, the raven itself is a symbol of death and doom, adding to the overall sad atmosphere of the poem. The language is usually solemn and may have a slow rhythm, like a dirge.
Well, they often have a strong sense of melancholy. For example, in 'Because I could not stop for Death' by Emily Dickinson, the story of the journey with Death has a sad undertone throughout. They also tend to use vivid imagery to convey the sadness. In these poems, the plot usually involves loss, like the loss of a loved one or the loss of a way of life.