RengaLinked Poem

Renga: History Began over 700 years ago in Japan Designed to encourage the collaborative

composition of poems Poets worked in pairs or small groups,

taking turns alternating 3 line and 2 line stanzas

Renga were often hundreds of lines long, but the favored length is 36 lines, which is called a kasen

Several centuries later, the Haiku was formed from the opening stanzas

Renga: Form (structure) One poet writes the first stanza

• 3 lines long, a total of 17 syllables The next poet adds the second

stanza • A couplet (two lines) with 7 syllables

The 3rd stanza repeats the structure of the 1st

The 4th stanza repeats the structure of the 2nd

And on until the end

Renga: Form (Theme) Theme is crucial to the form and its success The language refers to nature, incorporating

seasons, nature, and love. In order for the poem to grow appropriately,

each poet writes a new stanza that leaps from the stanza preceding it.

The leap advances the thematic elements, and maintains the linking component.

A new idea or direction can be introduced in each new verse

Modern poets have eased up on the structural elements, allowing for adjustment of line lengths, but maintaining the important elements of theme.

Renga Assignment: 1) With your partner(s) find an example

of a Renga. 2) Bring it in to share in your writing

group. (3) With your partner(s) write a Renga

following the correct format. (If you are in different writing groups please have a copy for each of you to share)• Poems due for Review Monday, 3/18• Share in writing groups Tuesday, 3/19

Renga: Examples http

://www.renga-platform.co.uk/webpages/renga_02.htm