The Science of Poetry: Why Our Brain Prefers the Endecasyllable

The Science of Poetry: Why Our Brain Prefers the Endecasyllable

When it comes to poetry, there is a certain structure that captivates our brains. Francisco Javier Tapiador, the dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Biochemistry in Toledo, refers to this as "the science of poetry." He believes that poetry follows a set of rules and patterns, such as rhyme and rhythm, that determine whether a poem succeeds or fails. Science seeks to unravel why we are drawn to poems like "The Odyssey" or why a poem by Garcilaso is considered marvelous.

Garcilaso, a prominent poet from Spain's Golden Age, introduced the endecasyllable verse (verses with eleven syllables) to the Spanish language. Tapiador explains that these verses have a captivating sound and structure that greatly appeals to our brains. In French, for example, the appeal lies in verses with twelve syllables, while English requires shorter verses. Within the eleven syllables of the endecasyllable, there are various ways to arrange the accents, creating solemn, agitated, or even distressing verses. This has led to an ongoing theory in metric studies since the 1770 Terencian treatise.

Tapiador and his colleagues have concluded that in Spanish, the eleven-syllable verses achieve a perfect balance. Even when people write free verse or blank verse, they still produce sequences of endecasyllables that, while lacking rhyme, maintain the rhythmic qualities that evoke special sensations in our sensitivity. As Garcilaso himself wrote, "Your gesture is written in my soul."

In the article "Writing a Poem" (2000), Eduardo García explores the concept of contemporary poetry from a didactic perspective. He argues that a poem must be visible, meaning it should be plastic and break away from everyday perception by provoking sensations, ineffability, and irrationality. García emphasizes the use of metaphor and symbolic imagery to enhance the emotional expression and communication of precise and concrete terms.

García also introduces the concept of the "objective correlative," borrowed from T.S. Eliot, which prevents emotions from being presented as subjective descriptions and instead encourages their enactment. He emphasizes the significance of detail, drawing from Chekhov's theories, to lead the reader to a direct experience of emotion through sensory stimuli. García asserts that modern poets are akin to shamans of the 21st century, wielding their power through language alone.

Combining these insights, we can understand that the science of poetry lies in the exploration of the patterns and structures that elicit emotional responses from our brains. The endecasyllable verse in Spanish has a unique appeal, captivating our auditory senses and producing a balance that resonates within us. Whether adhering to traditional metrics or experimenting with free verse, poets have the power to evoke emotions through precise and concrete language, metaphor, and symbolic imagery.

Actionable Advice:

1. Experiment with the endecasyllable verse: Whether writing in Spanish or another language, explore the rhythmic qualities of the endecasyllable verse and its various accent patterns. Use this structure to create verses that captivate the reader's auditory senses.
2. Embrace metaphor and symbolism: Incorporate metaphorical language and symbolic imagery into your poems. These literary devices can evoke emotions and create a deeper connection with readers.
3. Pay attention to detail: Follow Chekhov's theory of the "significant detail" to lead readers to a direct experience of emotion. Use precise and concrete terms to create vivid sensory descriptions that engage the reader's imagination.

In conclusion, the science of poetry delves into the patterns and structures that elicit emotional responses from our brains. The endecasyllable verse, with its captivating sound and structure, holds a special place in Spanish poetry. Through precise language, metaphor, and symbolism, poets can create powerful emotional experiences for their readers. By experimenting with different verse structures, embracing literary devices, and paying attention to detail, poets can enhance their craft and create impactful works of art.