"The Science of Poetry: Why the Endecasillabo Appeals to Our Brain". The endecasillabo, a type of verse with eleven syllables in Spanish, has a pleasing structure that captures our brain's attention. Francisco Javier Tapiador, dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Biochemistry in Toledo, explores the science behind poetry in his book "The Science of Poetry." Poetry follows certain rules, and it is through science that we can uncover these patterns and structures that make a poem successful or not. The most obvious examples are rhyme and rhythm, which determine whether a poem flows well or falls flat. The science behind poetry aims to understand why we are drawn to works like "The Odyssey" or why a poem by Garcilaso captivates us.

"The Science of Poetry: Why the Endecasillabo Appeals to Our Brain". The endecasillabo, a type of verse with eleven syllables in Spanish, has a pleasing structure that captures our brain's attention. Francisco Javier Tapiador, dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Biochemistry in Toledo, explores the science behind poetry in his book "The Science of Poetry." Poetry follows certain rules, and it is through science that we can uncover these patterns and structures that make a poem successful or not. The most obvious examples are rhyme and rhythm, which determine whether a poem flows well or falls flat. The science behind poetry aims to understand why we are drawn to works like "The Odyssey" or why a poem by Garcilaso captivates us.

Garcilaso, a renowned poet from the Spanish Golden Age, introduced the endecasillabo to Spain after discovering it in Italy. "The eleven-syllable verses in Spanish sound incredibly pleasing to our ears. They have a sound and structure that captivates our brain and appeals to our aesthetic sensibilities," says Tapiador. In other languages like French, this effect can be achieved with twelve-syllable verses, while in English, shorter verses are preferred. Within the eleven syllables of the endecasillabo, there are different ways to arrange accents, creating solemn, agitated, or even anguished verses. This has given rise to a whole theory that scholars of metrics have been studying since the Terencian Treatise in 1770. Through their research, they have concluded that in Spanish, the eleven-syllable verses achieve a perfect balance.

Even when people write in free verse or blank verse, they still produce sequences of endecasillabo that, although lacking rhyme, possess a rhythm that evokes a special sensation in our sensibilities. As Garcilaso beautifully expressed in his poem, "ESCRITO ESTÁ EN MI ALMA VUESTRO GESTO," the endecasillabo has a timeless appeal that resonates with readers across generations.

So, what exactly are the marks of literariness that distinguish literary texts from non-literary ones? This concept is closely associated with the Russian formalist school led by Roman Jakobson. The formalists viewed poetry as a language that is uniquely self-aware. They believed that poems were composed of words and that literariness is closely tied to the particular use of literary language. Literary language diverges from the familiar and the everyday, presenting itself to the reader from a fresh perspective. It is characterized by connotative, ambiguous, subjective, and polysemous characteristics.

In literary texts, connotative language plays a significant role, offering multiple possibilities for interpretation. The words used in literary pieces are evocative, and their semantic value is not solely dependent on the explicit code of the language. Moreover, the predominance of the poetic function in literary texts aims to influence the reader's mood, evoking emotions and feelings. The poetic (aesthetic) function takes precedence over the referential (denotative) function.

Another distinguishing feature is the unique use of syntax in literary texts. There is a flexibility in the syntactic rules, allowing for creative and unconventional structures that enhance the artistic expression of the work. Additionally, the vocabulary used in literary texts is precise and irreplaceable. Each word is carefully chosen, and substituting one for another would alter the intended meaning. The vocabulary and syntax in literary texts are closely related, contributing to the overall literariness of the work.

Incorporating the scientific understanding of poetry and the marks of literariness, we can derive actionable advice for aspiring writers and poets:

1. Experiment with different metrical patterns: Understanding the impact of syllabic structures, like the endecasillabo, can help create verses that resonate with readers. Experimenting with different metrical patterns can add depth and musicality to your poetry.

2. Embrace connotative language: Explore the power of connotative language by using words that evoke emotions and invite multiple interpretations. This allows readers to engage with your work on a deeper level, creating a lasting impact.

3. Balance the poetic and referential functions: While the poetic function aims to elicit emotions and create aesthetic experiences, it is essential to strike a balance with the referential function. Ensuring clarity and coherence in your writing will enable readers to connect with your message while appreciating the artistry of your words.

In conclusion, the science of poetry and the concept of literariness shed light on the intricacies of literary texts and their appeal to readers. By understanding the patterns and structures that make poetry successful and incorporating the marks of literariness, writers and poets can create works that captivate and resonate with audiences. So, let your creativity flow, experiment with different techniques, and embrace the power of language to create literary masterpieces.