Poetry Stories

 Fiction in Verse is typically defined as "a full-length novel with plot, subplots, themes, with major and minor characters. Fiction of verse is always presented in blank verse form which separates it from the other genres of fiction literature." (Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5336792). They are often called Novels in Verse. We can think of them as poetry stories; complete stories told through poetry.

Fiction in Verse is not a new genre. I've read that novels written in verse go back to at least the late part of the 18th century with Louisa: A Poetical Novel written by Anna Seward in 1784. Fiction in Verse seemed to gain popularity in 19th century as well, with famous authors such as Tennyson penning The Lady of Shalott.

I'm reminded of Sunday afternoons in my parents home, growing up. My sister and I would sit in our seats glued to the PBS special of Anne of Green Gables. We loved her! One of my favorite scenes was watching quirky Anne (played by Meagan Follows) float down the river in a small wooden boat, quoting The Lady of Shalott. I remembered how fascinated I was with the Lady's sad story and how much I would have liked to read this poem for myself.  I had no idea that it was a full story, all I knew was that the partial story had me captivated. I always loved poetry and good stories as a child. Fiction in verse seemed to be the perfect hybrid of a genre for me.

Today, I believe the ones who will embrace this genre will still be children who enjoy well developed stories and the swaying rhythm of poetry. It would probably be beneficial to use this genre in elementary school teaching when there is specific theme or situation that needs to be taught that a fiction in verse book could explain best. Themes that include lost, truimph, etc... Also, Fiction in Verse should be taught in elementary schools for sheer fun and enjoyment. I think it would grab the imagination of students and help them learn words: how they sound(phonetics), how they are written, and how they go together.