ELEMENTS OF POETRY Meter Stanza Rhyme Figures of Speech Enjambment Theme
METER AND STANZA The number of syllables. A pattern of emphasis on those syllables. A stanza refers to a series of lines that are arranged by their rhyme or meter. The word stanza comes from the Latin word 'room'.
RHYME The repetition of similar sounds at the end of lines. Types of rhyme include perfect, slant, and internal rhyme. Perfect Rhyme: The most common type where the sounds match exactly (e.g., "cat" and "hat"). Slant Rhyme: Also known as near rhyme or half rhyme, where the sounds are similar but not identical. Internal Rhyme: Rhyme that occurs within a single line of verse, adding a musical quality.
FIGURES OF SPEECH An expressive, nonliteral use of language. Figures of speech include tropes (such as hyperbole, irony, metaphor, and simile) and schemes (anything involving the ordering and organizing of words—anaphora, antithesis, and chiasmus, for example). The use of figurative language in poetry is a way for writers to create a link or comparison between concrete objects and abstract ideas by using basic words or phrases in a non-literal way to draw on the emotions of the reader.
ENJAMBMENT The continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line of poetry to the next without a pause. Enhances flow and rhythm. Caesura: A deliberate pause within a line, often indicated by punctuation.
THEME The central idea or message of a poem. Explores universal truths and emotions. Universal Themes: Love, death, nature, and the human experience are common themes. Social Commentary: Poets often use their work to comment on societal issues.
FORMS OF POETRY Sonnet Haiku Free Verse Ballad Limerick Epic Ode Villanelle
SONNET A 14-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme (e.g., Shakespearean or Petrarchan). Often explores themes of love, beauty, or nature. Shakespearean Sonnet: Consists of three quatrains and a rhymed couplet, often exploring a theme's different aspects. Petrarchan Sonnet: Comprises an octave followed by a sestet, with a shift in tone or argument between the two.
HAIKU A traditional Japanese form with three lines and a 5-7-5 syllable count. Captures a moment in nature. Kigo : Seasonal words or phrases traditionally included in haiku. Cutting Word ( Kireji ): A word that provides a pause or gives emphasis.
FREE VERSE Poetry without a regular meter or rhyme scheme. Emphasizes natural speech rhythms. Cadence: The natural rhythm or pacing of language in free verse. Lineation: The arrangement of lines and line breaks.
BALLAD A narrative poem often set to music, telling a story. Typically has quatrains with alternating rhyme. Narrative Structure: Tells a story often through dialogue and action. Refrain: Repeated lines or stanzas, creating a musical effect.
LIMERICK A humorous poem with five lines and a distinctive rhythm. Anapestic Meter: The rhythm used in limericks, with two short unstressed syllables followed by a longer stressed syllable. Humorous Tone: Limericks often feature playful or witty content.
EPIC A long narrative poem that tells the story of a heroic figure or event. Typically includes elements of myth and legend. Invocation: A prayer or request for inspiration from a muse. Heroic Couplet: Pairs of rhymed lines in iambic pentameter often used in epic poetry.
ODE A lyrical poem expressing strong emotions or contemplation. Often addresses a specific person or thing. Pindaric Ode: Named after the ancient Greek poet Pindar, characterized by elaborate and formal structure. Irregular Ode: Lacks a specific structure and is more flexible.
VILLANELLE A 19-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme and repeating lines. Known for its intricate structure. Refrain and Termination: The first and third lines of the first stanza alternate as the last lines of the following stanzas, and both appear at the end of the poem. Obsessive Theme: Villanelles often explore a single, intense emotion or idea.
QUESTIONS TO ASK: How do various figurative languages contribute to the overall meaning and impact of a poem? In what ways do different literary forms, such as sonnets, haikus, or free verse, shape the expression and reception of poetic content? How does the structure of a poem, including line length, rhyme scheme, and stanza organization, influence the reader's interpretation and emotional response to the work?
HARMONY IN VERSES AND MELODIES A SONG AND POEM Presentation activity
INSTRUCTIONS: In pairs, students will choose a song and a poem independently that they believe share similarities. (considering themes, emotions, narrative elements, or any other aspects that create a connection between the two pieces) Each pair will individually analyze both their chosen song and poem and take notes on the key themes, emotions, and any specific lines or lyrics that stand out to them. After analyzing, each pair of students will prepare a brief presentation discussing the similarities they found between their chosen song and poem.
INSTRUCTIONS: Each pair will present their findings to the class, discussing the chosen song and poem, the similarities they identified, and the impact of these shared elements on the overall artistic experience. The teacher will open the floor for class discussion, allowing other students to share their thoughts on the pairings presented. The teacher will encourage students to give their questions and reflections on how the combination of music and poetry enhances the overall artistic expression.