how to write an ode

Writing an ode is a fun task for anyone who wants to exercise creativity and train their analytical mind. Next, a methodical format is given that allows anyone, child or adult, to learn to write an ode. 

What is an ode? 

An ode is a lyric poem that is written to praise a person, an event, or even an object . He may have read or heard of the famous Ode to a Grecian Urn , by the Romantic poet John Keats, for example, in which the speaker reflects on the images engraved on an urn.

The ode is a classical style of poetry, possibly developed by the ancient Greeks from an older form, whose authors sang their odes instead of writing them down on paper. Odes today are usually rhyming poems in irregular meter, although no rhyme is required for a poem to be classified as an ode. They are divided into stanzas with 10 lines each (the “paragraphs” of poetry), usually consisting of three to five stanzas in total. 

There are three types of odes: Pindaric, Horatian, and irregular.

• The Pindaric odes  have three stanzas, two of which have the same structure. It was the style used by the classical Greek poet Pindar (517–438 BC). Example: The Progress of Poetry , by Thomas Gray. 
• The Horatian odes  have more than one stanza, and all of them follow the same rhyme and meter structure. The form follows that of the Roman lyric poet Horace (65–8 BC). Example: Ode to the Confederate Dead , by Allen Tate. 
• Irregular odes do not follow a set pattern or rhyme. Example: Ode to an Earthquake , by Ram Mehta.

Read some sample odes to get an idea of ​​what they look like before writing your own.

Write your ode: choose a topic

The purpose of an ode is to glorify or exalt something, so go for a topic that excites you. Think of a person, place, thing or event that you find truly wonderful and have a lot of positive things to say about (although it could also be a fun and challenging exercise to write an ode about something you really don’t like or hate!) . Think about how you feel about that topic and jot down a few adjectives about it. Think about what makes you special or unique. Consider your personal connection to the issue and how it has impacted you. Take note of some descriptive words that you can use. What specific qualities does your subject have? Why do you like it so much?

Choose your format 

Although a rhyming structure is not an essential component in an ode, most traditional odes do rhyme, and including rhyme can be a fun challenge. Try a few different rhyming structures to find one that suits your theme and personal writing style. You can start with an ABAB structure, in which the last words of every first and third line rhyme, and also the last word of every second and fourth line: lines A rhyme with each other, lines B do the same, and so on. . Or try the ABABCDECDE structure, which was used by John Keats in his famous odes. 

Structure and writing of the ode

Once you have an idea for your theme and the rhyme structure you want to follow, create an outline of your ode, breaking each part into a new verse. He tries to create three or four stanzas that address three or four different aspects of his theme to give his ode structure. For example, if you are writing an ode to a building, you might dedicate a stanza to the energy, labor, skill, and planning that went into its construction; another to the appearance of the building; and a third party about its use and the activities that take place inside it. Once you have an outline, use brainstorming to begin filling in your chosen content and rhyme structure.

last stage of the ode 

Once you’ve written the ode, walk away from it for a few hours or even days. When you return to your ode with fresh eyes, read it aloud and take note of how it sounds. Is there a choice of words that seems out of place? Does it sound smooth and rhythmic, or energetic and electrifying? Make your changes and start the process over again until you are happy with your ode. 

Although many traditional odes are titled “Ode on [Subject],” you can get creative with your title. Choose one that represents the theme and its meaning to you.

On the other hand, if you feel you need more help with writing poetry, there are several smartphone app options available on the market.