by Miranda Pierson

Created on: January 18, 2010

Although poems that are based on particular opinions possess value, those which are based on experience have a quality that transcends the former. Most poems, regardless of whether or not they are influenced by opinions, are based on a particular experience. It is the depth of experience that contributes to the uniqueness of a poem. Also, when analyzing poetry, it is always useful and important to understand the experience that the author is referring to, or that occurred within the life of the author before the composition of the poem. Nevertheless, it is better to write a poem based on experience because the poems based on experience have a personal quality and a depth that is not always present within the poetry that is based entirely on opinion.

Writing poetry based on opinion is similar to writing poetry based on experience, yet it possesses significant differences. One of the main differences is the composition of the poem itself. The poems based on opinion usually convey only that of a single idea. The value of the opinions is presented within the structure of the poem. One who analyzes such a work will discover the motive simply by reading it carefully. However, there is no story or underlying event hidden within the words. When reading poetry, this element is often useful in allowing a poem to be remembered in a prominent respect.

Poems that are based on experience have a narrative element. A certain idea still may be presented, yet this idea is conveyed more smoothly by the assistance of a story which describes the nature of the belief. Experience is something that is unique to all people. Even individuals that endure the same occurrences receive different lessons and experiences from them. The importance of these differences are conveyed within the poems. Therefore, by reading the poems based on experience, it is possible to understand the sentiments and personal attributes of the author. This allows for an increased amount of depth within the poem.

Therefore, it is better to write a poem based on experience. Poems are representations of personal sentiments and unique ways of conveying these emotions. Although poems based on opinion have value, they often lack depth because the words do not present a story and in turn appear empty. However, the poems based on experience allow the emotions of the author to be presented more vividly, and they also permit the reader to appreciate the work more significantly because a connection can be made between the given experience, and the nature of the poem.

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