Elements of Poetry

Stanzas Lines Rhythm Rhyme Repetition Rhyme Scheme Alliteration Onomatopoeia Imagery

Poetry contains unique devices and form that make it different than other genre of literature.

Form – a poem’s shape ◦ the way the words and lines are laid out on the

page. Stanzas – a group lines in a poem (like a

paragraph)◦ Each stanza is a separate emotion or idea◦ Each contribute to the overall meaning of poem

Lines – the main unit in a poem◦ May or may not be a complete sentence◦ Varies in length

Structure and Form

Conventional/Traditional forms◦ Fixed rules – such as a set number of lines or a repeating

pattern of rhythm or rhyme◦ Examples: limericks and haikus

Free Verse – open formo Has rhythm like everyday speecho Does not have a regular rhyme pattern

Graphical Elements- help convey meaningo Include position, appearance of words, capital letters, lines and

stanzas on a page.

Structure and Form

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rwmd1IFshYc&feature=related

How does this musical adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s poem, “The Raven”, qualify as a traditional poem? Write 2 sentences explaining in the provided

space.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xr7-J8TtWIo&feature=related

In the space provided, briefly write about why this poem is considered free verse. What qualities does it

contain that make it so? Be prepared to share.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqUFUGkHLew

Free Verse vs. TraditionalWhat were the differences you

saw between the free verse poetry and the traditional poetry in this video? Share with a partner and

be prepared to share.

Types of PoetryThere are many different types of poetry just as there are many different types of fiction.

Narrative Poems

• tells a story • contains characters, setting, conflict, and 5

stages of plot.• Written in stanzas, contains rhythm, rhyme,

imagery and figurative language• Has a recognizable rhyme scheme

• For example: “The Walrus and the Carpenter”

by Lewis Carrol

Limericks:◦ A short poem made up of 5 lines◦ Rhyme scheme (pattern of rhyme): aabba◦ has a sing-song rhythm

There was an old man with a beard, aWho said, “It is just as I feared!”- aTwo Owls and a Hen, bFour Larks and a Wren, bHave all built their nest in my beard! a

Humorous Poems

Contains 17 syllables arranged in 3 lines, syllable pattern per line 5, 7,5 Creates a clear picture evoking a strong

emotional response Nature is a common topic of haikus

Example:Winter solitude – (5 syllables)in a world of one color (7 syllables)the sound of the wind. (5 syllables)

Bosho

Haikus – Japanese poem

Contains not regular pattern for rhythm or rhyme

Used to capture sound and rhythm of regular speech

Example: “On Turning Ten” by Billy Collins

This is the beginning of sadness, I say to myself,as I walk through the universe in my sneakers,It is time to say goodbye to my imaginary friends,time to turn the first big number.

Free Verse

Examine the structure and form of a traditional poem.

Sound Devices

Imagery and Figurative Language

Let’s look at this stanza of the poem.

Identify the type of figurative language used.

Which senses are being appealed to?

“The summer still hangsheavy and sweetwith sunlight as it did last year.”

Personification: summer hangs

Simile: as it did last yearTouch: heavyTaste: sweetSight: sunlight

“Change”

“The autumnstill comesshowering gold and

crimsonas it did last year.”

Personification: showering

Simile: as it did last year

Sight: gold and crimson

Next stanza…

“The winterstill stingscold and clean and

whiteas it did last year.”

Personification:Still stingsSimile: as it did last

year

Touch: stings, coldSight: white

Stanza 3…

The springstill comeslike a whisper in the

dark night.

Personification:Spring still comesSimile:Like a whisperOnomatopoeia:

whisper

Sound: whisperSight: dark night

Stanza 4…