What is the name for a type of poem depicting rustic life in idealized terms?

The type of poem that depicts rustic life in idealized terms is known as a pastoral. Pastoral poetry focuses on the lives of shepherds and rural settings, celebrating the simplicity and harmony of nature and country living. This genre often contrasts the simplicity of rural life with the complexities of urban existence, highlighting the beauty of nature and often infused with a sense of nostalgia or longing for a simpler time.

The other terms listed do not align with this specific definition. Paradox refers to a statement that seems contradictory but reveals a deeper truth. Pathos is an emotional appeal often used in rhetoric to persuade an audience by eliciting feelings. Parallelism is a literary device that involves the use of similar structures in writing to create balance or rhythm. While these concepts play important roles in literature, they do not specifically refer to the idealization of rural life as seen in pastoral poetry.