Here's how it manifests:
* Clear and intentional use of imagery and figurative language: Instead of simply describing something, the poet uses vivid imagery, metaphors, similes, personification, etc. to create a specific effect and evoke emotions.
* Establishing clear themes and motifs: The poet identifies key themes throughout the poem, repeating specific words, phrases, or symbols to highlight their significance and emphasize their connection to the overall message.
* Employing strong narrative structure: The poet structures the poem in a way that guides the reader through a specific journey, using techniques like chronological order, flashbacks, or shifting perspectives to create a sense of direction and suspense.
* Controlling tone and voice: The poet consciously chooses words and phrases to create a specific tone, whether it's lyrical, somber, humorous, or angry. This tone influences the reader's emotional response and directs their understanding of the poem's message.
* Directly engaging the reader: The poet might use rhetorical questions, address the reader directly, or incorporate elements of the reader's experience into the poem to create a more personal and interactive experience.
Examples of leading approaches:
* A sonnet using the traditional structure and rhyme scheme guides the reader through a specific thought process or emotional arc.
* A poem using anaphora (repetition of phrases at the beginning of lines) emphasizes the theme and creates a sense of urgency or insistence.
* A poem using a specific symbol throughout directs the reader to interpret its significance and connect it to the broader meaning of the poem.
By taking a leading approach, the poet acts as a guide, leading the reader through their own crafted world of language and emotion. This deliberate approach allows the poet to create a powerful and lasting impression on the reader.