Poetry is not something that is difficult if it is done by understanding the structure or elements that make up the poem. The structure in question is the physical and mental poetry. Poetry consists of an inner structure and a physical structure. The inner structure of poetry is in the form of theme, feeling, tone, atmosphere and message. While the physical structure of poetry is in the form of diction, imagery (imagining), figure of speech and poetry typography. In this article, we will only discuss about imagery.
Physical Structure of Poetry
1. Theme
Theme is the main idea put forward by the poet, or the thought that animates and underlies the creation of poetry. Poetry themes include love, divinity, humanity, patriotism, struggle and social problems.
2. Feelings
The poet’s feelings are also expressed in his poetry. This feeling must be understood by the reader. The poet’s feelings in dealing with the problem/theme are greatly influenced by his attitude. The attitude of the poet can be in the form of displeasure, hatred, longing, loyal friends and so on.
3. Tone and Atmosphere
The poet’s attitude to the reader is called the tone of the poem. Poets sometimes want to patronize, advise, mock, satirize, or act casually.
Atmosphere is the state of the reader’s soul after reading the poem or the psychological consequences that the poem has on the reader. The tone and atmosphere of the poem are interconnected because the tone of the poem will create an atmosphere for the reader. The tone of grief will create an atmosphere of compassion, the tone of criticism will cause an atmosphere of rebellion, the tone of divinity will cause an atmosphere of solemnity and so on.
4. Message
Mandate is the author’s message to the reader, both explicit and implicit conveyed through his work. The message to be conveyed by the poet can be studied after understanding the theme, taste and tone of the poem.
Chairil Anwar’s poem Diponegoro with the theme of patriotism, for example, can be interpreted as follows.
a. In this development period, we should imitate Prince Diponegoro’s patriotic attitude.
b. We need to believe that if we give in to the invaders, our souls will be humbled.
c. Patriotism must be ignited to continue this development.
Inner Structure of Poetry
Citran
Images are wishful images in poetry. Imagery is usually a picture of an object that is visible to our mind’s eye, but can also be things that stimulate other senses, such as hearing, smelling, seeing and feeling.
The image that arises by sight is called a visual image . Visual imagery stimulates the sense of sight, so that things that are not seen seem to be seen.
The image produced by mentioning or describing the sound is called auditory imagery (auditive imagery). Tactile imagery (tactile imagery) is an image generated by a wishful image that can be lived with the sense of touch. While the image that describes something that is not actually moving, but is described as moving, is called a motion image.
By understanding the physical and mental structure of poetry, a simple literary work will be born that inspires all its audience. During the Covid-19 pandemic that has occurred until now, many things can be written into poetry. Therefore, let us work and contribute to overcome this covid-19 pandemic. Hopefully this plague will soon pass from the face of the earth and we will return to normal life.