Public poetry-- elevated style, often in heroic couplets, draws upon epic conventions, important topics and figures.  In the 18th century, subject matter tends to draw clear distinction between right and wrong action, correct versus incorrect convictions and ideals. (In 18th century, prominent poets served a public function--not the same as the Romantic conception of poetry (e.g., Wordsworth--poetry as the "spontaneous overflow of powerful emotions" and as "thoughts recollected in tranquillity").

Private poetry-- lyric style, more open rhyme scheme, draws upon pastoral conventions, personal topics and diminished figures.  In 18th century, subject matter tends to expose "gray areas," question the clarity of assumptions about identity, expose assumptions underlying clear distinctions and statements of right & wrong.

Lyric--"a brief subjective poem strongly marked by imagination, melody, and emotion, and creating a single, unified impression.  Originally sung accompanied by music ("lyre") (Many in the 18th century were set to music, though this was not an essential characteristic of lyric poetry by 18th century)

Pastoral--"a poem treating of shepherds and rustic life, after the Latin for "shepherd," pastor.  Invented by Theocritus in 3rd century BC.  Sometimes seen as opposed to heroic (complex ideas expressed through simple personages--Wm. Empson)--looks back to more ideal, mythical "golden age" (the title of a poem by Aphra Behn), before the complexities of modern life had caused pastoral life to decay.  Set in the countryside, with shepherds and shepherdesses (or other rustic characters) leading simple lives and focusing on rural pursuits and love.

Mock Pastoral--pokes fun by by applying the conventions of pastoral to urban subjects or using elevated formulas to make fun of rustic subjects and manners.