Which statement best reflects a focus of contemporary poetry?

• A. Creating striking images
• B. Emphasizing narrative heroism
• C. Following strict rhyme
• D. Writing only long epic poems

Answer: (A)

Contemporary poetry often centers on image and language to evoke sensation, mood, or insight rather than marching a heroic narrative or sticking to fixed forms. Creating striking images captures that emphasis on vivid, immediate perception and experimentation with line and structure. The other options point to older traditions: narrative heroism is more typical of epic or Romantic poetry, strict rhyme belongs to traditional formal styles, and contemporary poetry isn’t defined by writing only long epic poems—it's varied in length and form, from short lyrics to free verse and prose poetry.