The Value of Poetry

Poetry has been around for generations and written by many different poets, varying from someone as well known as William Shakespeare to the lady down the street. But what purpose does poetry actually serve? And what does it contribute to society? And lastly, is the world any better off with the art of poetry in it?

Poetry is believed to have started in places such as ancient Greece and Rome due to famous works such as the Odyssey and the Vedas along with other famous poetry of the period by various famous philosophers such as Homer and Aristotle. Though the question that remains is why did they decide to write poetry? In other words, what purpose did they want their poetry to serve?

“Poetry is an art form to express one’s feelings and emotions through words instead of a physical art such as a painting or a sculpture,” said Chris Jones, a twenty-one-year-old college student and Latin tutor.

Carol Bolt, mother of two and a CPA commented, “I think it helps us reflect upon our own lives and the world around us.”

Most people agree with these two statements and they basically sum up that the main reason for poetry in our world is so people can express themselves while understanding the world around them in an abstract way.

While mostly everyone comes to a general consensus about the purpose that poetry serves, there is a varied response as to what it contributes to society.

In regards to what poetry contributes, eight-year-old Kevin Bolt answered simply, “Nothing really.” Though, others disagree.

“If there wasn’t poetry, our songs would have no words, and how drab of a life would that be?” questioned Doris Allen, a retired career counselor of seventy- three.

Chris Jones commented again, saying, “It’s an outlet of emotions for many people. Cathartic, if you will.”

Forty-four-year-old Douglas Allen agreed, stating, “It contributes enjoyment and stimulates thought as well.”

While contributing a lot to society as a whole, poetry also has a large effect on the world around us.

“The world is definitely better off with poetry in it,” Carol Bolt said.

Doris Allen agreed, “I can’t imagine a world without poetry.”

“There would hardly be any songs and books like Dr. Seuss. The world would be really boring without it,” said Kevin Bolt.

But while some people agree that the world is better off with poetry, others do not.

Jessica Manno, a 9th grade high school student said, “No, not really. The world isn’t any better off with poetry in it.”

So while people’s opinions vary about poetry, the general consensus is without poetry, our world would be a boring, expressionless, and lackluster place full of people trying to get their ideas and feelings expressed in a way that is simple to understand. Without poetry, our lives would be simple and tedious.

Chris Jones stated, “A think that is a form of emotional communication that doesn’t harm anything or anybody is beneficial to the world.”

Sources:

1.) Cody Geyers. Age 13. 8th grade middle school student.

2.) Jessica Manno. Age 14. 9th grade high school student.

3.) Christian Jones. Age 21. 3rd year of college. Student/Latin tutor.

4.) Denise Blomstrand. Age 22. 4th year of college. Student.

5.) Kevin Bolt. Age 9. 3rd grade elementary school student.

6.) Doris Allen. Age 73. Retired career counselor. Has master’s degree.

7.) Nicole Hetrick. Age 13. 8th grade middle school student.

8.) Donald Bolt. Age 50. Financial salesman. 4 years of college.

9.) Carol Bolt. Age 48. Certified Public Accountant. 4 years of college.

10.) Douglas Allen. Age 44. Driver. Completed high school and ½ year of college.