Contents
Chapter I
Purpose and Method
Object of the book. Historical and comparative treatment. Sources of help. Modern scientific aids. Limitations to their value. The evidence of poetry itself. The curve of evolution
Chapter II
Rhythm as the Essential Fact of Poetry
Definitions of poetry. The line between poetry and prose. Summary of the dispute. Rhythm fundamental and essential in poetry. Proofs from ethnology, psychology, and the history of poetry itself
Chapter III
The Two Elements in Poetry
The dualism in its various forms. Poetry of nature and of art. Poetry of the people. Romantic and rationalistic theories. The real dualism 116
Chapter IV
The Differencing Elements of the Poetry of Art
Communal and individual. Mediæval and modern conditions. Evolution of sentimental lyric. Influence of Christianity. Reactions. Modern objective poetry. Humour 139
Chapter V
The Differencing Elements of Communal Poetry
The making of communal poetry a closed account. Elements of the European ballad. Who made it. The “I” of ballads. Style of ballads. Incremental repetition. Variation. Siberian songs. Bridal songs. The vocero and kindred songs of mourning. The refrain. Refrains and songs of labour. Harvest-home. Processions. Flytings. Festal refrains. The dance
Chapter VI
Science and Communal Poetry
Science and theories of poetic origins. Invention and imitation. Comparative literature and the art of borrowing. The war against instinct. Instinct not set aside. The dualism in poetry. Greek drama. Homogeneity of savages and of primitive men
Chapter VII
The Earliest Differentiations of Poetry
The poet. Improvisation in a throng. A study of the schnaderhüpfl. Stanzas and poems. Differentiation of poetry. Lyric, drama, and epic. Myths. Poetic style
Chapter VIII
The Triumph of the Artist
THE BEGINNINGS OF POETRY
THE BEGINNINGS OF POETRY