How do we experience poetry as readers? What is it in the text that provokes particular reactions, and how can we methodologically reveal these effects? Introducing an evidence-based approach to poetics, this book explores the psychological effects of poetic form and content, with an emphasis on how real readers respond to and experience poetry. Engaging with texts from diverse cultural and historical settings, it covers the basics of stylistic theory while at the same time outlining the specific methods required to categorize readers' cognitive, emotional and attitudinal reactions. Chapters guide you through engaging experiments, covering key concepts such as significance, averages, deviation, outliers and reliability, and bring poetry to life by drawing on YouTube performances and musical renditions of the texts. With further readings, a glossary of key terms and ancillary resources providing an overview of research methodology, this book equips you with all the linguistic and analytical tools needed to uncover the psychological workings of poetry.

How do we experience poetry as readers? What is it in the text that provokes particular reactions, and how can we methodologically reveal these effects? Introducing an evidence-based approach to poetics, this book explores the psychological effects of poetic form and content, with an emphasis on how real readers respond to and experience poetry. Engaging with texts from diverse cultural and historical settings, it covers the basics of stylistic theory while at the same time outlining the specific methods required to categorize readers' cognitive, emotional and attitudinal reactions. Chapters guide you through engaging experiments, covering key concepts such as significance, averages, deviation, outliers and reliability, and bring poetry to life by drawing on YouTube performances and musical renditions of the texts. With further readings, a glossary of key terms and ancillary resources providing an overview of research methodology, this book equips you with all the linguistic and analytical tools needed to uncover the psychological workings of poetry.

This fine collection of papers is the successful outcome of an international research project carried out by advanced undergraduate and graduate students from four different countries. Exceptionally, the papers do not rehash old ideas or themes but offer a fresh approach to a wide range of topics from language, literature and culture. This innovative attitude is the result of newly devised empirical methods of research, which clearly show that these students are well on their way to becoming inventive and resourceful researchers. The book connects three important themes and acts upon them. First, it provides empirical studies of literary texts and experiences, once again proving the value of empirical studies of literature. It thereby nicely forecasts the future of literary studies. Secondly, it highlights the connections between research groups in different continents, showing the strength of international collaborations. It thereby nicely forecasts the future of intercultural research. Thirdly, it presents work from students, illustrating upcoming talent. It thereby nicely forecasts the future of academia.