  Poetry
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Antiquated Language – The right choice for thee?
My Creative Writing professor once passed out sheets of poetry. They were in pairs according to genre or topic of the poem. Our task was to pick the poem that had a greater depth to it. The “better” poem – not that the other poem was bad, by the way – and I chose correctly in every case, except one: the correct choice had antiquated language.
I can study period poetry that has antiquated language, that’s the way they spoke back then, but I have a real problem reading modern poetry that uses antiquated language. There are exceptions, but I’ll get into that in a minute.
Before anyone gets their britches in a bunch because they love their "forsooths", let’s go over some pros and cons.
Antiquated Language CONS
-Difficult to effectively communicate your message to your twenty-first century reader.
-Can seem lofty, as if the writer is trying to be something he/she is not and a portion of trust is lost between the reader and writer.
PRO Antiquated Language
-Adds voice to certain topics
-Can add a comedic effect (as a contrast of the subject matter, etc)
NOTE: these pros and cons can be said for things like: prolific profanity and slang, as well.
Here’s a poem written in 1849:
Arthur Hugh Clough (1819-1861): Say not the Struggle nought Availeth
Say not the struggle nought availeth,
The labour and the wounds are vain,
The enemy faints not nor faileth,
And as things have been, things remain;
If hopes were dupes, fears may be liars;
It may be, in yon smoke conceal'd,
Your comrades chase e'en now the fliers--
And, but for you, possess the field.
For while the tired waves vainly breaking
Seem here no painful inch to gain,
Far back, through creeks and inlets making,
Comes silent, flooding in, the main.
And not by eastern windows only,
When daylight comes, comes in the light,
In front the sun climbs slow, how slowly,
But westward, look, the land is bright.
Roberts, Edgar V.. Literature, An Introduction To Reading and Writing. Seventh Edition. NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2004.
While this is a great poem as is, it is much easier to understand the parts of this poem not peppered with antiquated language.
Now that I have you convinced you, you have decided to use antiquated language nevermore.
But wait!
There are pros listed up there. Don’t use it “because it sounds like good poetry.” Like any poetic device: If you use it, use it with purpose and on purpose.
PS: Happy Mom's Day to the mothers of Writing.com! 
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Information on language and selected poetry:
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Have a question, answer, problem, solution, tip, trick, cheer, jeer, or extra million lying around?
If so, send it through the feedback section at the bottom of this newsletter OR click the little envelope next to my name Red Writing Hood <3 and send it through email.
Comments on last month's newsletter:
Submitted By: marthae 
Submitted Comment:
How do I get a poem in the newsletter? marthae
There are several ways. The easiest would be: when you write something great, let us know by using the feedback form at the end of this newsletter and add the item number of your work in the small box. You may or may not leave comments with it - it's up to you.
I also find work to add to the newsletter by reading the poetry on site randomly or searching for specifics (which makes a good point about using the keyword section in your item.) 
Submitted By: monty31802
Submitted Comment:
A very enjoyable Newsletter, I especially liked a couple of your picks. Some of us seem to use the as, or like to get the syllable count in our poetry. I know I do.
Submitted By: sharonbythesea
Submitted Comment:
Thank you for this newsletter. I did not know that I loved mixed metaphors until now. I HAD, however, identified that I respond to words being used in new ways to describe ordinary things in extraordinary ways. NOW I know what to call them. Thank you again. sharon by the sea
Submitted By: Pen Name
Submitted Comment:
Dear Red Writing Hood,
Thank you for last week's Poetry Newsletter editorial. I had never heard of a poetry thread. You explained it very clearly. I can't wait to try the technique.
Sincerely, Lotusneko
Thank you all for your comments. They inspire me more than you know!
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Poetry: May 17, 2006 Issue [#1040]
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