What are the characteristics of a poem that tells a sad or tragic story?

One characteristic is the use of gloomy or melancholic language. Words like 'dark', 'gloomy', 'dreary' are often found. For example, in 'The Raven', Poe uses words like 'midnight dreary' to set the sad mood right from the start. Another characteristic is the presence of loss. It could be the loss of a loved one, like in many elegies, or the loss of a way of life, like in some war - related poems. Also, a sense of hopelessness or despair is common. The narrator often feels that there is no way out of their sad situation, as in Hardy's 'The Darkling Thrush' where the narrator initially feels a deep sense of hopelessness about the world around him.

A tragic poem often contains elements of isolation. In many such poems, the protagonist is alone in their grief or struggle. In 'The Raven', the man is alone in his room with only the raven for company, and that raven only serves to increase his isolation. The language used is also often rich in imagery that conveys sadness. In 'Annabel Lee', the imagery of the sea - side tomb where Annabel Lee is buried is very evocative of loss and tragedy. And there can be a sense of the unfairness of life, which is a common thread in these types of poems, as we see in all of the above - mentioned works.

One example is 'The Raven' by Edgar Allan Poe. It tells a rather sad and somewhat spooky story. The narrator is mourning the loss of his love, Lenore. As he sits in his chamber, a raven enters and perches above his door. The raven's repeated response of 'Nevermore' drives the narrator into deeper despair, as he interprets it in relation to his lost love and his own state of melancholy. It's a very powerful poem that conveys a deep sense of sorrow and loss.

One such poem is 'The Raven' by Edgar Allan Poe. It tells a rather tragic story of a man who is haunted by a raven while mourning the loss of his beloved Lenore. The repetitive 'Nevermore' by the raven drives the man deeper into despair, creating a very sad and eerie atmosphere.

One characteristic is the use of dark or somber imagery. For example, in 'The Raven', the black raven itself is a symbol of death and gloom. Another is the tone. It's often melancholic, like a low - pitched song that lingers in your ears. The language used may also be more complex and filled with words that evoke sadness, such as 'lament', 'grieve' or 'woe'.

These poems tend to have a sense of finality. There's often a moment or event that has occurred which is irreversible and has led to the sad or tragic state. The descriptions are detailed when it comes to the emotions. The poets try to make the readers feel the same pain as the narrator. They may also use allusions to other sad stories or historical events to enhance the tragic feel. For example, a poem about a war might allude to famous battles and the great losses in them.

Death is a common theme. For example, in 'The Raven', the death of Lenore is central to the tragic story. Another theme is loss, not just of life but also of things like love or power. In 'Ozymandias', the king has lost his power and all that once made him great. And despair often follows these losses, like in 'Annabel Lee' where the narrator is in despair over losing his love.

A poem that tells a story often has a clear plot. Just like in a prose story, there is a beginning, middle, and end. For example, in 'The Tortoise and the Hare' fable - like poem, it starts with the hare's overconfidence, then the race in the middle, and finally the tortoise winning at the end. Another characteristic is the use of characters. There are identifiable entities in the poem that drive the story forward, like the mariner in 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner'.

One characteristic is a clear narrative arc. Just like in a story, there's a beginning, middle, and end. For example, in 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' by Coleridge, it starts with the mariner setting sail, then there are the events of him shooting the albatross and the subsequent misfortunes, and finally his redemption. Another characteristic is characters. Poems that tell stories often have well - defined characters, even if they are not fully fleshed out like in a novel. Also, there's usually a setting which helps to create the mood. In 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' by Tennyson, the setting of the battlefield is vividly described.

A poem that tells a story typically has a sequence of events. It might employ rhyme or free verse to make the story more engaging. The poet might focus on emotions and conflicts to make the story relatable and compelling.