Throughout history, poetry has been used as a form of communication, storytelling, and expression. From its roots in oral storytelling traditions, it has evolved to become a powerful tool for conveying emotion, providing comfort, and creating social and political change.

Poetry has been used as a platform for self-expression since ancient times. It has been used to convey feelings, express individual beliefs and ideas, and tell stories. In ancient Greece, for example, the epic poem “The Odyssey” was used to tell the story of Odysseus’s journey home from the Trojan War. In ancient China, the poetic form of “shi” was used to express emotion, and in Japan, the “haiku” was used to communicate complex ideas in a concise form.

Poetry has also been used to provide comfort and inspiration. In the Middle Ages, religious poems were used to provide solace and hope to those in need. In the Renaissance period, poets such as William Shakespeare and John Donne used their works to explore the human condition and offer insight into the world around them. In the modern day, poetry is still used to provide comfort and inspiration, with many poets creating works that explore themes of love, loss, and hope.

Throughout history, famous poets have had a significant impact on society. William Shakespeare is widely regarded as one of the greatest poets of all time, and his works have had a lasting influence on literature, theatre, and language. The Romantic poets of the 19th century, such as Percy Bysshe Shelley and John Keats, used their works to explore the beauty of nature and the power of emotion. In the 20th century, poets such as T.S. Eliot and W.H. Auden used their works to explore the human condition and offer social and political commentary.

Poetry has also been used to create social and political change. In the 18th century, the French Revolution was accompanied by a surge of revolutionary poetry, with poets such as André Chénier and Jean-Paul Marat using their works to express their support for the revolution. In the 19th century, the abolition of slavery in the United States was accompanied by a wave of anti-slavery poetry, with poets such as Phillis Wheatley and Frances Ellen Watkins Harper using their works to express their opposition to the institution. In the modern day, poets such as Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes have used their works to explore the struggles of minority groups and to advocate for social and political change.


In conclusion, poetry has had a profound impact on society throughout history. From its use in oral storytelling traditions to its presence in the modern day, it has provided a platform for self-expression, comfort, and inspiration. Famous poets have had a significant impact on society, and poetry has been used to create social and political change. As a powerful tool for conveying emotion and exploring the human condition, poetry will continue to shape and influence society for generations to come.