Do modern open-form poems extend or argue with the traditions of the poems from the past? Or do they do both?

Compare two modern (20th century or later) free verse or open-form poems with two traditional poems in recognized poetic forms, such as sonnet, ode, elegy, or ballad, from before the 20th century. In a well-crafted essay, refer to our lecture on poetry and to the textbook, and consider the following questions.

  • Do modern open-form poems extend or argue with the traditions of the poems from the past? Or do they do both?
  • What relationship does historical context have to the forms of the various poems?
  • In what ways do these poems demonstrate the evolution of poetry?