Article »

Best 10 Poems of All Time

Poetry is a timeless art form that has been cherished for centuries. From the epic tales of Homer to the modernist works of T.S. Eliot, poetry has captured the hearts and minds of people from all walks of life. Here are ten of the best poems of all time.

146 Views
Courtney Emerson
  Courtney Emerson  —  Poetry Tips
  1. "The Iliad" by Homer - This epic poem tells the story of the Trojan War and is widely regarded as one of the greatest works of Western literature.
  2. "The Odyssey" by Homer - Another epic poem by Homer, this work follows the journey of Odysseus as he attempts to return home after the Trojan War.
  3. "The Divine Comedy" by Dante Alighieri - This epic poem is divided into three parts and takes the reader on a journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven.
  4. "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare - Although technically a play, many consider this work to be one of the greatest pieces of poetry ever written.
  5. "Paradise Lost" by John Milton - This epic poem tells the story of Adam and Eve and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden.
  6. "Beowulf" by Unknown - This Old English poem tells the story of a hero named Beowulf and his battles with monsters and dragons.
  7. "The Waste Land" by T.S. Eliot - This modernist poem is widely regarded as one of the most influential works of 20th-century literature.
  8. "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" by T.S. Eliot - Another modernist masterpiece by T.S. Eliot, this poem explores the inner thoughts and anxieties of a middle-aged man.
  9. "Howl" by Allen Ginsberg - This landmark poem of the Beat Generation is a powerful and visceral critique of American society.
  10. "Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night" by Dylan Thomas - This poem is a moving plea for his dying father to resist death and continue fighting for life.

These ten poems represent a diverse range of styles, themes, and time periods. Each has stood the test of time and continues to inspire and captivate readers around the world. Whether you are new to poetry or a lifelong fan, these works are essential reading for anyone who wants to understand and appreciate the power of this timeless art form.

Rate this article:0.0 / 0 votes

Have a discussion about this article with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add this article to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Best 10 Poems of All Time" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 Apr. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/article/best_10_poems_of_all_time>.

    April 2024

    Poetry Contest

    Join our monthly contest for an opportunity to win cash prizes and attain global acclaim for your talent.
    4
    days
    9
    hours
    37
    minutes

    Special Program

    Earn Rewards!

    Unlock exciting rewards such as a free mug and free contest pass by commenting on fellow members' poems today!

    Browse Poetry.com

    Quiz

    Are you a poetry master?

    »
    How may lines and syllables are in a Japanese Waka poem?
    A 30 syllables in every other line
    B 50 syllables in 7 lines
    C 31 syllables in five lines
    D 15 syllables in 7 lines