Image for Canto

Canto

A canto is a subdivision of a long poem, similar to a chapter in a book. The term originates from the Italian word for "song," and it is used to organize poetry into manageable sections. Each canto typically contains a complete thematic element or part of the larger narrative, allowing poets to explore complex ideas or tell stories in a structured way. Canto examples can be found in works like Dante's "Divine Comedy" and Lord Byron's "Don Juan," where each canto contributes to the overall depth and rhythm of the poem.