Shift in Poetry (in Poems)

Shift in Poetry: Introduction

The concept of a shift in poetry, often referred to as a “volta” in sonnets, encapsulates a strategic transition in tone, theme, or perspective within a poem. These shifts are pivotal moments that contribute to the overall structure and meaning of the work. Poets deploy shifts to evoke emotional responses, surprise the reader, or illuminate new facets of their subject matter.

The term is particularly associated with sonnets, where the volta typically occurs around the ninth line, signaling a turning point or a reinterpretation of preceding content.

However, shifts are not confined to a specific form and are integral to the broader poetic toolkit, allowing poets to navigate intricate thematic landscapes and guide readers through nuanced emotional and intellectual experiences. The deliberate use of shifts adds layers of complexity to poetry, inviting readers to engage with the dynamic interplay between form and content, and to appreciate the artistry inherent in the construction of meaning within the confines of verse.

Shift in Poetry: Examples

1. John Keats – “Ode to a Nightingale”
   • Shift: The shift occurs in the eighth stanza when the poet moves from a melancholic reflection on the transience of life to a desire for escape and a longing for immortality through the nightingale’s song.
   • Explanation: Keats shifts from a somber exploration of human mortality to a dreamy, almost transcendent contemplation of the nightingale’s timeless and blissful existence.
2. William Wordsworth – “Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey”
   • Shift: The shift happens towards the end of the poem when Wordsworth moves from describing the beauty of nature to reflecting on the spiritual and moral impact of nature on the human soul.
   • Explanation: Wordsworth shifts from the sensory experience of nature to a deeper exploration of its transformative power, emphasizing its influence on memory and the moral growth of the speaker.
3. Elizabeth Barrett Browning – “How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Ways” (Sonnet 43)
   • Shift: The shift occurs in the final lines of the sonnet when the poet moves from expressing love in earthly terms to suggesting its endurance beyond mortal existence.
   • Explanation: Browning shifts from enumerating the ways she loves her beloved to a spiritual dimension, indicating that her love will continue even after death.
4. T.S. Eliot – “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock”
   • Shift: The poem contains several shifts, but a notable one is when Prufrock moves from self-conscious social anxiety to a meditation on the passage of time and his fear of insignificance.
   • Explanation: Eliot shifts from the superficial concerns of the protagonist to a more existential and universal theme, exploring the human condition in the modern world.
5. Seamus Heaney – “Digging”
   • Shift: The shift occurs when Heaney moves from describing his family’s traditional occupation of digging to reflecting on his own role as a poet.
   • Explanation: Heaney shifts from the physical act of digging as a familial and cultural legacy to a consideration of his own form of digging—writing poetry—and finding his place in the continuum of family history.

These examples showcase the diverse ways in which poets use shifts to add complexity, depth, and meaning to their verses.

Shift in Poetry: Relevance in Literary Theories

Literary Theory	Relevance to “Shift in Poetry”
Formalism	Formalism, with its focus on the structure and form of literary works, acknowledges shifts as crucial moments influencing a poem’s impact.
New Criticism	New Criticism closely examines the text itself, and the analysis of shifts aids in uncovering hidden meanings and nuances within the poem.
Structuralism	Structuralism explores the underlying structures governing literature, and shifts are viewed as elements that contribute to the overall structural pattern.
Reader-Response Criticism	Reader-response theorists consider how readers interpret shifts, recognizing that individual responses to these moments can vary and shape the overall meaning.
Poststructuralism	Poststructuralism challenges fixed meanings and embraces ambiguity. Shifts, as moments of change and instability, align with poststructuralist concerns.
Feminist Criticism	Feminist critics may examine shifts to uncover gendered perspectives and power dynamics within a poem, shedding light on how these moments impact interpretation.
Psychoanalytic Criticism	Psychoanalytic theory might explore shifts as manifestations of the poet’s subconscious, revealing inner conflicts or desires in the creative process.
Cultural Criticism	Cultural critics analyze shifts to understand how cultural influences shape a poet’s expression and the impact of these shifts on societal perceptions.
Postcolonial Criticism	Postcolonial theorists may investigate shifts to uncover how colonial legacies and cultural clashes are reflected in the poetic narrative.
Ecocriticism	Ecocritics may examine shifts related to nature or the environment, exploring how changes in tone or perspective contribute to the portrayal of ecological themes.

These connections highlight the multidimensional nature of shifts in poetry and how they can be analyzed through different critical lenses.

Shift in Poetry: Relevant Terms

Literary Term	Definition
Volta	In sonnets, the volta refers to a shift or turn in thought, often occurring around the ninth line, where there is a change in tone, perspective, or theme.
Enjambment	Enjambment occurs when a line of poetry runs over into the next line without a pause or punctuation, creating a sense of continuity and potentially contributing to shifts in thought.
Caesura	A caesura is a pause or break within a line of poetry, often marked by punctuation, influencing the rhythm and contributing to shifts in tone or emphasis.
Juxtaposition	Juxtaposition involves placing two contrasting elements side by side in a poem, which can create shifts in meaning, highlight differences, or emphasize certain aspects of the text.
Anaphora	Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive lines or clauses, and its use can contribute to a rhythmic pattern or signal shifts in emphasis.
Conceit	A conceit is an extended metaphor or comparison that draws a parallel between two seemingly dissimilar things, contributing to shifts in meaning and enriching the poem’s imagery.
Metonymy	Metonymy involves substituting the name of one thing with another closely related to it, often contributing to shifts in meaning by emphasizing associations or connections between concepts.
Synecdoche	Synecdoche is a figure of speech where a part represents the whole or the whole represents a part, and its use in poetry can create shifts in focus or highlight specific aspects of the subject.
Oxymoron	An oxymoron is a combination of contradictory or opposing words, often used to create tension, paradoxes, or shifts in perception within a line or stanza.
Paradox	A paradox is a statement that appears self-contradictory or illogical but may reveal deeper truths, and its use in poetry can contribute to shifts in understanding or challenge conventional wisdom.
Ambiguity	Ambiguity involves intentional vagueness or multiple interpretations within a poem, allowing for shifts in meaning and encouraging readers to engage in nuanced and varied interpretations.

These terms provide a foundation for understanding the various elements and techniques poets employ to create shifts within their poetry.

Shift in Poetry: Suggested Readings

1. Abrams, M. H. A Glossary of Literary Terms. Harcourt Brace, 1999.
2. Brooks, Cleanth, and Robert Penn Warren. Understanding Poetry. Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1976.
3. Hirsch, Edward. How to Read a Poem and Fall in Love with Poetry. Harvest Books, 2000.
4. Vendler, Helen. The Art of Shakespeare’s Sonnets. Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 1999.
5. Eagleton, Terry. How to Read a Poem. Blackwell, 2007.
6. Hollander, John. Rhyme’s Reason: A Guide to English Verse. Yale University Press, 1981.
7. Frye, Northrop. Anatomy of Criticism: Four Essays. Princeton University Press, 1957.
8. Heaney, Seamus. The Government of the Tongue: Selected Prose 1978-1987. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1988.
9. Ricoeur, Paul. The Rule of Metaphor: Multi-disciplinary Studies of the Creation of Meaning in Language. Routledge, 2003.
10. Eliot, T.S. The Sacred Wood: Essays on Poetry and Criticism. Faber and Faber, 1920.