A traditionalist poet, such as Richard Wilbur, expresses his ideas by using poetic imagery and rhymed meter, as opposed to an experimentalist, who rejects overtly rhymed meter and poetic verse. Traditional style also uses literary allusions, puns and wit to communicate a feeling. This means a traditionalist writer will use established standards to elucidate a deeper truth, rather than break rules or invent new forms of writing.
Traditional religious ideas in literature are used as didactic tools to educate a reader on the religion itself. But they can also be used as literary allusions that draw attention to a contrast in ideas. The same is true of cultural norms that are used to create contrast in literature. For example, poetry written by Gwendolyn Brooks inspired by American, urban poverty.
Traditionalism in poetry began in America the late 20th century with poets such as Robert Penn Warren. A poet from the traditionalist movement is notable for her love of nature, conservative values and dedication to traditional writing styles. She will use multiple adjectives, and sometimes English words that are obsolete in the language, to express her feelings about nature or culture.
Literary movements can be a reaction against current cultural norms or give definition to an era. Each movement is led by a core group of authors that defines the ideals of the movement. For example, Ezra Pound is one representative from the Imagism movement that lasted from 1912 to 1927. The Traditionalist movement began after the Imagist movement and the Realist movement. A Traditionalist poet opposes the Imagist by using metered verse and defies the Realist by creating vibrant illusions.