Idyll

Definition

According to  Encyclopaedia Britannica, IDYLL is a short poem of a pastoral (having or representing the pleasant, traditional features of the countryside) or rural character in which something of the element of the landscape is depicted or suggested. ("Idyll.") It has  its roots in ancient Greek literature, deriving from the Greek word “eidyllion,” which means “short poem” or “little picture.” ("Idyll: A Literary Genre")

It often celebrates the beauty of nature, rural life, and the harmony that can be found between people and the natural world. Idylls typically evoke a sense of tranquility and nostalgia, as well as a longing for a simpler, rural way of life.

Development

The earliest known use of “idyll” can be traced back to Theocritus, a Hellenistic poet from the 3rd century BCE, and The Idylls of Theocritus are the source of the popular idea of this type of poem.  

The word came back into use during the Renaissance when some poets used it to tell apart story-based pastorals from those written in dialogue. In the 19th century, the word "idyll" became misused due to the popularity of two works, neither of which can be classified as pastoral. These two works are  The Idylles héroïques (1858) by Victor-Richard de Laprade and The Idylls of the King (1859) by Alfred, Lord Tennyson.

 The idyll has changed over time, showing different views of an ideal life—whether through romantic images of simple rural life, dreams of city life, or thoughtful reflections on life’s meaning.  The idyll found expression in both poetry and prose.  

Some types of IDYLL:

  Pastoral Idyll: Associated with rural settings, it idealizes the simplicity of country life, portraying shepherds, landscapes, and the tranquility of nature.

Theocritus’ “Idylls” and Virgil’s “Eclogues.”

  Epic Idyll: Combining elements of the epic and idyll, this type presents a longer narrative that holds on to the pastoral or idealized qualities.

“Idylls of the King” by Alfred Lord Tennyson

  Domestic Idyll: This type shifts the focus to domestic scenes, portraying idealized family life and the harmonious relationships within a household. It often emphasizes themes of love, unity, and shared happiness.

"The Wind in the Willows" by Kenneth Grahame

"Little House on the Prairie" by Laura Ingalls Wilder

  Urban Idyll: The urban idyll depicts an idealized vision of city life, celebrating the beauty and cultural richness found in urban settings (contrast to pastoral idyll)

"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

"Mrs. Dalloway" by Virginia Woolf

  Tragic Idyll: This type combines tragic elements with the idyllic scene, exploring themes of loss, disillusionment with the idealized world.

"Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck

"Wuthering Heights" by Emily Brontë

  Georgic Idyll: This type of idyll explores themes related to agriculture, farming, and rural labour, combining the idyllic with practical elements.

"Georgics" by Virgil

"The Pastoral" by John Milton

Sources

"Idyll". Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 Mar. 2019, https://www.britannica.com/art/idyll. Accessed 29 October 2024.

"Idyll: A Literary Genre.“ English Studies. https://english-studies.net/idyll-a-literary-genre/ Accessed 29 October 2024.

Zuzana Hvězdová 561842