Decorum
Decorum is the match between a poem's subject, language, style, and tone. A poem shows decorum when its words and manner of expression suit what is being described or the voice speaking. In older criticism, the term could also refer to the idea that certain subjects call for elevated language, while others need a plainer style.
Example
The child's lost kite is described in simple, bright language,
while the funeral scene turns quiet and formal,
and the shift in style feels decorous rather than forced.
Related Definitions
[n] propriety in manners and conduct
Related Terms
amenities, appropriateness, becomingness, bienseance, ceremoniousness, civilities, civility, comity, conformity, convenance, convention, conventional usage, conventionalism, conventionality, correctitude, correctness, courtliness, custom, decencies, decen