A classic form of poetry, the villanelle has a strict form of 19 lines within five triplets and a repeating refrain. These poems are very song-like and are fun to both read and write once you know the rules behind them.
Villanelle Characteristics and Rules
- 19 lines
- 5 stanzas of 3 lines each
- 1 closing stanza of 4 lines
- Rhyme scheme: ABA, ABA, ABA, ABA, ABA, ABAA
- Line 1 repeats in lines 6, 12, and 18
- Line 3 repeats in lines 9, 15, and 19
See the attached .pdf for examples and a villanelle worksheet!
Education Level:
Elementary
Genre:
Poetry
Format:
Writing Prompt
Time Frame:
Up to 1 hour
Prior Knowledge/Skills:
None
Required Materials:
Paper, pencil, Villanelle worksheet
Literary model:
"A Boy & His Dog" by Blake Hoena
