A call for formal language in poetry: a rhetorical and linguistic comparative study of Tupac Shakur's poetry in comparison to Robert Graves's. (15th September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abdel-Fattah, Rabab Ahmed Amin
• Is Part Of: International journal of arts and technology. Volume 12:Number 3(2020)
• Page Start: 254
• Page End: 265
• Publication Date: 2020-09-15
• Subjects: formal language -- Robert Graves -- Tupac Shakur -- compositional semantics -- nominalisation -- lexis -- syntax; Technology and the arts -- Periodicals; Computer art -- Periodicals; 700.285
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1754-8853

Abstract

Poetry has been considered the magisterial genre of literature for all the beauties of language it renders possible. However, with the interference of informal language, the educational and enlightenment roles of poetry are underestimated. The researcher compares selected poems of Robert Graves to selected poems of Tupac Shakur. Graves is particularly chosen for his unique indifference to fashion. This indifference has created the individuality he was well-known for. Adherence to poetical norms was never a flow for him, rather an indication that creativity knows no boundaries. On the other hand, Shakur's poetry represents a transformation of poetry into a form that is stuffed with informal elements of language. Even though, his poetry is amongst the most celebrated. The purpose of this research is a call for an awareness of using informal language in writing poetry for it is very likely to devalue that genre, and the pristine message it seeks at presenting.