Effects of Theme, Form, and Language on Poetry Reading: Evidence From Chinese ESL Learners

Abstract

While much remains unexplored about what influences how poetry is perceived, this study investigates how themes, form, and language interact in poetry perception, shedding light on their effects on the reading responses of Chinese ESL learners. Findings showed: (1) Versified form and L1 poems were more comprehensible; (2) Idyll and L1 poems were perceived as having richer imagery; (3) Form and language interact for rhythmicity, favoring L1 poems, especially the paragraphed L1 ones; (4) Language influenced perceived beauty, with L1 poems, especially love poems in versified form, rated as exceptionally beautiful; (5) Theme and language impacted perceived valence, with idyll and L2 poems being viewed more positively; form affected the perceived arousal, with versified poems rated as more exciting; (6) Form and language interacted, affecting reading time; versified L2 poems were read faster than paragraphed L1 and L2 poems. These findings hold significance for literary education and cross-cultural understanding.