Sestina

A sestina is a fixed poetic form consisting of six stanzas of six lines each, followed by a three-line envoy (or 'envoi'). The poem’s structure is governed by a specific and intricate pattern of end-words. The six end-words of the first stanza recur in a set, rotating order throughout the subsequent stanzas. The envoi utilizes all six end-words, often appearing at the end of lines, or embedded within the lines, to create a concise, powerful conclusion. The challenging form emphasizes repetition, thematic resonance, and subtle variations in meaning across stanzas.

Sestina meaning with examples

• The sestina's structure proved alluring, and the form provided a welcome challenge. It became clear this method could assist with the task and serve a literary purpose. Each stanza, with its unique end-word sequence, formed a world of its own, linked. The final envoi would provide a new angle or insight; words would work the magic and weave a rich pattern for all to see. The intricate interplay and echo of each word was compelling.
• She crafted a sestina to capture the essence of the garden, the scent of roses, and the play of sunlight. The rotating end-words – 'sun', 'shade', 'flower', 'green', 'earth', 'bloom' – structured the scene. Each stanza unfolded a different aspect of the experience. The envoi, with its integrated words, summarized the poem's meaning and captured a sense of the place. Words, structure, meaning: a complex aesthetic.
• He saw his work, a sestina on loss, as a way to create an opportunity. The use of the structure allowed him to show the depth of his feelings. The poem cycled, word by word, feeling by feeling, pain by pain. The words in each stanza, building on one another, built the story. The envoi was a quiet resolution. Using words, he offered an explanation of the depth of his despair, and a glimmer of hope.
• The young poet was given the task of writing a sestina. He chose as his end-words: 'time', 'silence', 'memory', 'river', 'stone', 'dream'. He then structured his poem, repeating his choice throughout. Each stanza wove the words into a rich pattern, highlighting the themes. The envoi served as the culmination, bringing the words together and, using these carefully arranged words, adding depth and meaning.