Poetry has many forms, each with its own rules and traditions. Among them, the villanelle stands out as one of the most recognizable due to its strict structure and haunting repetition. Most people know that a villanelle is supposed to have 19 lines, but what happens if a poem does not follow this rule exactly? Can a villanelle still be a villanelle if it does not have 19 lines? In this article, we will explore the history, form, and flexibility of the villanelle. We will also examine how modern poets approach this traditional form and whether deviations from the 19-line rule are acceptable.
What is a Villanelle?
Origins of the Villanelle
The villanelle originated in France during the Renaissance period. The name comes from the Italian word “villanella,” which refers to a rustic song or dance. Initially, villanelles were simple songs sung by peasants and had no fixed structure. However, over time, the form evolved into a fixed poetic pattern.
The modern villanelle, as we know it today, was shaped by poets and scholars in the 16th and 17th centuries. Jean Passerat, a French poet, is often credited with composing the first recognized villanelle in 1574, titled “J’ai perdu ma tourterelle.”
Structure of a Villanelle
A traditional villanelle has the following structure:
- 19 lines in total
- 5 tercets (3-line stanzas) followed by 1 quatrain (4-line stanza)
- A strict rhyme scheme: ABA for the tercets and ABAA for the quatrain
- Repetition of two refrains: the first and third lines of the first stanza are alternately repeated as the last lines of the following stanzas and both are repeated at the end of the final quatrain
Here’s a breakdown:
- Line 1 – A1 (refrain)
- Line 2 – b
- Line 3 – A2 (refrain)
- Line 4 – a
- Line 5 – b
- Line 6 – A1
- Line 7 – a
- Line 8 – b
- Line 9 – A2
- Line 10 – a
- Line 11 – b
- Line 12 – A1
- Line 13 – a
- Line 14 – b
- Line 15 – A2
- Line 16 – a
- Line 17 – b
- Line 18 – A1
- Line 19 – A2
This repetition gives the villanelle a circular, musical quality that emphasizes emotion and theme.
The Importance of the 19-Line Structure
A Defining Feature
The 19-line format is not just a suggestion—it is a defining feature of the villanelle. This fixed form serves both an aesthetic and structural function. The repetitions and rhyme scheme create a sense of unity, rhythm, and inevitability. Without 19 lines, a poem cannot strictly be called a villanelle according to traditional standards.
Balance and Symmetry
The form’s symmetry plays an important role. The alternating refrains and rhymed lines offer a perfect balance that builds intensity and emotional impact. The return of the first and third lines at specific intervals keeps the reader grounded while also creating anticipation.
Famous Examples of Villanelles
“Do not go gentle into that good night” by Dylan Thomas
This is perhaps the most famous villanelle in English literature. Thomas uses the 19-line form to great emotional effect. The repeated lines—”Do not go gentle into that good night” and “Rage, rage against the dying of the light”—drive home the poem’s theme of defiance in the face of death.
“One Art” by Elizabeth Bishop
Another iconic villanelle, Bishop’s poem uses the form to explore personal loss. The repeated line “The art of losing isn’t hard to master” gains complexity and emotional depth with each repetition.
Can the Form Be Broken?
The Role of Form in Modern Poetry
Modern poetry often experiments with traditional forms. Some poets deliberately modify established structures to suit their themes or voice. The villanelle is no exception. There are instances where poets have used the repetition and rhyme scheme of the villanelle but altered the number of lines.
When Does a Villanelle Cease to Be One?
This leads to a philosophical question: if you change a core feature of a form, does the poem still belong to that form? If a poem only has 15 or 21 lines, can it still be a villanelle?
Purists argue that altering the line count disqualifies the poem from being a true villanelle. However, others believe that the spirit of the form—repetition, rhyme, and circularity—is more important than strict adherence to the 19-line rule.
Examples of Variations
Some poets have written what are called “terzanelle” or “villanelle variants,” which mix the villanelle form with other structures. These hybrid forms may have more or fewer lines but still maintain a similar rhythm and repetition.
Villanelle-Like Poems with Different Line Counts
The Terzanelle
A terzanelle combines elements of a villanelle and a terza rima. It usually consists of 19 lines like the villanelle but uses interlocking rhyme. It includes repeated lines, but in a slightly different pattern.
Free Verse Villanelles
Some contemporary poets use the villanelle’s repetition pattern in free verse. These poems may not follow a strict rhyme scheme or line count but still echo the essence of the form.
Mini-Villanelles and Extended Villanelles
Some poets have experimented with shortened versions (e.g., 13 lines) or extended ones (e.g., 25 lines). These are not traditional villanelles, but they borrow elements of the form to create something new.
Flexibility in Modern Poetry
Form as a Guideline
In today’s poetic landscape, form often serves as a guideline rather than a rulebook. Poets may start with the villanelle’s structure and then make adjustments based on personal expression or thematic needs.
Innovation vs. Tradition
While innovation is valuable, understanding the traditional form is essential. A poet can choose to break the rules only after mastering them. This conscious deviation allows for meaningful experimentation.
Reader Expectations
Readers familiar with the villanelle will expect certain features, especially the repetition and 19-line length. Departures from the form can be jarring if not done with intention and skill.
Teaching the Villanelle
Educational Value
The strict form of the villanelle makes it a useful teaching tool. It helps students understand rhyme, meter, and repetition. The 19-line structure offers a challenge that encourages precision and discipline.
Encouraging Creativity Within Constraints
Teaching the villanelle also shows that creativity can thrive within boundaries. Once students understand the form, they can begin to play with it—creating their own refrains, experimenting with variations, and even trying nontraditional line counts.
Conclusion
So, does a villanelle have to have 19 lines? Traditionally, yes. The 19-line structure is a core element of the villanelle form. It defines the rhythm, repetition, and overall impact of the poem.
However, poetry is a living art. While the 19-line form is traditional and preferred for a true villanelle, poets are free to experiment. As long as the poem captures the spirit of the villanelle—its musicality, repetition, and emotional resonance—it may still be appreciated as a villanelle-inspired work.
Understanding the rules of poetic forms allows poets to use them effectively and break them with purpose. The villanelle is no exception. Whether strictly followed or loosely adapted, its enduring power lies in its capacity to evoke emotion through structure, sound, and repetition.
Related topics:
How to Identify a Villanelle: Understanding Its Structure and Characteristics