Lesson 7 - Reading Poetry

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Reading

Poetry

Prepared by:
Ms.Monad Rafat
Brainstorming

What is poetry?
What is poetry?
Poetry is a type of literature, or
artistic writing, that attempts to
stir a reader's imagination or
emotions.
Types of poetry
Short form poetry
Short form poetry is the name used for poetry which is very short.

Features of it:
easy to remember and recite
get straight to the point of the topic
allow a precise word choice
quick and easy to write
clear and simple rules

When poets don’t have many words, they have to think carefully about their
choice of language, so they can convey their meaning really precisely.
Type of short form poetry: Limericks
Limericks are a popular and fun short form with just one stanza of five lines.
Like most short form poetry, there are rules they should follow:

Limericks use an AABBA rhyme scheme


meaning the first, second and fifth lines should rhyme with each other and the
third
and fourth lines should rhyme with each other
Limericks have a regular rhythm.
There was a young woman named Bright,
Whose speed was much faster than light.
She set out one day,
In a relative way,
And returned on the previous night.
What is a rhyme scheme?
A rhyme scheme means the pattern of the rhyming words at the end of each line. For example:

Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? A


Thou art more lovely and more temperate. B
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, A
And summer’s lease hath all too short a date. B

The words ‘day’ and ‘May’ rhyme so they are both given the letter ‘A’.
Then ‘temperate’ and ‘date’ rhyme so they are both given the letter ‘B’.
Therefore, this section of the sonnet has a rhyme scheme of ABAB.

If a new rhyme is used, then the next letter in the alphabet continues the pattern.
Type of short form poetry: Haiku
Haiku is also short and tightly regulated, but rather than five lines,
the Haiku has just three.

And the most critical feature is the syllable count.


The first line has five syllables, the second has seven, and the
third has five.
No rhyme or regular meter are expected.

An old silent pond

A frog jumps into the pond—

Splash! Silence again.


What is a sonnet?
A sonnet is a one-stanza, 14-line poem, written in iambic pentameter.

The most common—and simplest—type is known as the English or


Shakespearean sonnet.

They have 14 lines, which can be broken down into four sections called
quatrains.

A strict rhyme scheme

Written in iambic pentameter: a poetic meter with 10 beats per line made
up of alternating unstressed and stressed syllables.
SOUND AND RHYTHM
OF POETRY
LEARNING GOALS
You will understand key poetic You will understand how those
devices such as end and internal poetic devices create layers of
rhyme, metre, and alliteration. meaning in poetry.
ABOUT RHYME
What is rhyme?
Rhyme Utilizes repeating patterns of similar sounds to create
rhythm and musicality.

What is rhyme used for?


To emphasise words and ideas, and evoke emotional responses.
TYPES OF RHYME
END RHYME INTERNAL RHYME

This refers to the rhyming words that this refers to rhyming words that
occur at the ends of lines of poetry. It occur within a single line of poetry
can create a rhythmic pattern and or between phrases across multiple
establish a melody within the poem. lines. This kind of rhyme can
These patterns can evoke emotions amplify the meaning of the poem
and emphasise particular thematic by drawing attention to specific
elements. words or phrases.
“THE RAVEN" BY EDGAR ALLAN POE

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,


Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore—
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of someone gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

In this part of the poem, every other line ends In this poem, both internal and end rhyming
with words that sound the same (rhyme)— are used to cultivate a mysterious and eerie
"dreary" sounds like "weary" and "lore" atmosphere. Words within a line rhyme with
sounds like "door." This pattern gives the each other, as seen with "napping" and
poem a spooky, song-like quality, making the "tapping," while every other line also ends with
atmosphere feel more eerie and mysterious. words that sound alike, creating a pattern.
ABOUT METRE
What is metre?
A structured rhythm created through a specific pattern of stressed
and unstressed syllables in a line of poetry.

What is metre used for?


To establish the tempo (the rate of speed of a musical piece) of the
poem
stressed and unstressed syllables
TYPES OF METRE
METRE IAMBIC PENTAMETER

This refers to the rhythmic structure this is a type of metre that consists
of lines in a poem, defined by the of five pairs of syllables, each with
pattern of stressed and unstressed the pattern unstressed-stressed. It
syllables. The choice of metre can often creates a natural, flowing
deeply influence the reading rhythm, frequently used in
experience, creating a pace that Shakespeare's sonnets to explore
either rushes forward or meanders. deep emotions.
EXAMPLE OF METRE
"SONNET 18" BY SHAKESPEARE

Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?


Thou art more lovely and more temperate:
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
And summer's lease hath all too short a date

The sonnet above shows an example of Iambic pentameter. In the excerpt, each
line consists of five feet of iambs (an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed
syllable), creating a rhythmic and song-like flow that is reflective of the poem’s
romantic theme.
ALLITERATION
What is Alliteration?
The repetition of the same initial consonant sounds in a series of words.

What is Alliteration used for?


To draw attention to specific phrases, creating a phonetic resonance.
TYPES OF ALLITERATION
ALLITERATION CONSONANCE & ASSONANCE

This involves the repetition of initial These are similar to alliteration but
consonant sounds in close proximity to involve the repetition of consonant
create a rhythmic pattern. Alliteration sounds (consonance) or vowel sounds
can draw the reader's attention to (assonance) anywhere in the words, not
specific words or phrases, creating just the initial sounds to create subtle
emphasis that adds a layer of meaning. sound patterns that enrich the poem.
EXAMPLE OF ALLITERATION
“BEOWULF” BY ANONYMOUS

So Grendel waged his lonely war,


Inflicting constant cruelties on the people,
Atrocious hurt. He took over Heorot,
Haunted the glittering hall after dark,

In this part of the poem, the poet uses alliteration, specifically consonance,
such as the "h" in "haunted" and "hall" which are used more than once to
give a sort of creepy, lingering feel to the way the words sound together.
LITERARY DEVICES
Poetic/literary devices are tools that poets use to enhance
their poems with rich detail, vivid imagery, and artistic flair.

These devices help convey complex emotions, create rhythms,


evoke vivid images, and play with sound in inventive ways.

Let’s see what they include!


Imagery
a literary device that involves the use of vivid and
descriptive language to create sensory experiences for
the reader.

It's a way for poets to paint pictures with words,


appealing to the reader's senses and emotions.

Imagery is a key element in poetry because it allows


readers to connect with the text on a deeper level by
visualizing, hearing, smelling, tasting, or feeling the
sensations described in the poem.
Figurative Language
Figurative language adds depth to a poem by allowing for
multiple layers of interpretation.

Metaphors and symbols, for example, can represent more than


one idea simultaneously, inviting readers to explore different
facets of the poem's meaning.

Figurative language can draw attention to a poem's central


themes or messages by emphasizing specific elements or
comparisons.

It allows poets to escape literal expressions and create unique,


original descriptions and narratives.
Rhythm
Rhythm in poetry refers to the pattern of stressed and
unstressed syllables in a line of verse.

It's like the heartbeat or pulse of the poem, and it is created


through metrical patterns. Common meters include iambic
pentameter and trochaic tetrameter.

Rhythm conveys emotions and moods through the flow of


words. It also helps structure the poem, providing a sense of
order and organization.
Personification
Personification is a figure of speech that attributes human qualities or
characteristics to inanimate objects, animals, or abstract concepts.
It helps poets create vivid and imaginative imagery and can paint a
more colorful and engaging picture in the reader's mind.

For example, instead of describing the wind as "blowing," a poet might


personify it as "whispering secrets" or "howling with fury," which adds a
dynamic and evocative element to the description.
Simile & Metaphor
Similes use "like" or "as" to compare two things directly, while metaphors equate
one thing to another without using explicit comparison words.

Similes are more straightforward and explicit in their comparison, clearly


stating that one thing is similar to another. Metaphors, on the other hand,
imply the comparison and require the reader to interpret the connection.

Metaphors have a stronger impact as they create a direct association


between the two compared elements, evoking stronger emotions. Similes
may not have the same intensity or transformative effect as metaphors.

He is as strong as a lion.
He is a lion.
Irony
Irony is a rhetorical device (use of language that is intended to have an
effect on its audience) where there is a contrast between what is expected
and what actually occurs or is stated. It involves a discrepancy between
appearance and reality, often leading to unexpected or humorous
outcomes.

There are several types of irony, including:


Verbal irony - when words express the opposite of their literal meaning.
Situational irony - when the outcome is different from what is expected.
Dramatic irony - when the audience knows something that the
characters in the story do not.
Allusion
A figure of speech that references a well-known person, place, event,
or work of literature, art, or history.

It allows poets to tap into a collective cultural knowledge and add


depth, symbolism to the poem, as well as establish connections
between different works of art or literature.

An allusion can be as simple as referencing a famous historical


figure like "a modern-day Shakespeare" or drawing upon a
mythological story like "a love affair as tragic as Romeo and Juliet."
Anaphora
Anaphora is a rhetorical device in which a word or phrase is
repeated at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences.

It is used in poetry to create a powerful and memorable


effect, to highlight key ideas or emotions, and to engage the
reader through repetition. It can also create a sense of unity
and cohesion within a poem.

Example: "I have a dream that one day... I have a dream that one
day..." (Martin Luther King Jr., "I Have a Dream")
Oxymoron
An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines two
contradictory or contrasting terms. It creates a paradoxical or
ironic effect and can evoke complex emotions or ideas.

They are used in poetry to create vivid imagery, emphasize


contrasts, and convey deeper meanings. They can add layers of
complexity and intrigue to the poem, challenging the reader's
expectations.

Example: "bittersweet," "cruel kindness," "living dead"


Litotes
Litotes is a figure of speech in which a positive statement is expressed
by negating its opposite. It is an understated or ironic form of
expression that often employs double negatives for emphasis.

They are used in poetry to convey understatement, irony, or


modesty. It can create a subtle effect, as well as add depth and
complexity to the poem by contrasting the literal meaning with the
intended meaning.

Example: "Not bad" (meaning "good"), "I'm not unfamiliar with that"
(meaning "I'm familiar with that")
Tone & Mood
Tone refers to the author's attitude or emotional stance
toward the subject matter or audience of the poem. It
can be conveyed through the poet's choice of words,
phrasing, and style.

Mood refers to the emotional atmosphere or ambiance


created by the poem. It represents the feelings and
emotions the poem evokes in the reader. Mood is a
product of tone, imagery, and subject matter.
Theme
The element of theme in poetry is a fundamental aspect that
contributes to the poem's meaning and overall message.

A theme in poetry represents the central idea or insight


that the poet wishes to convey to the reader.

The theme provides a unifying focus, and poets use it to


explore and communicate a wide array of human
experiences, emotions, and truths.
LITERARY
DEVICES
QUIZ
The wind whispered Question #1
sweetly in my ear.

What literary device is used in this sentence?

a. simile
b. metaphor
c. personification
d. irony
You are the sunshine Question #2
that brings light to
my grey days.

What literary device is used in this sentence?

a. allusion
b. simile
c. metaphor
d. anaphora
The laughter of the Question #3
witch sounded like
nails on a
chalkboard.
What literary device is used in this sentence?

a. simile
b. alliteration
c.oxymoron
d. litotes
1. C. Personification
It is an example of personification, which is when you give human attributes or qualities to
non-living things or concepts. The wind cannot literally "whisper", because it isn't a person.

2. C. Metaphor
This example features a comparison of two unlike objects. In this example, "you" and "sunshine"
are compared to one another. It is a metaphor and not a simile, because it is a direct
comparison and does not use the words "like" or "as".

3. A. Simile
A simile is an indirect comparison of two unlike objects using the words "like" or "as". In this
sentence, the laughter of the witch is being compared to nails on a chalkboard.
Question #4
Pretty Princess
Parama prefers to
prance and
pirouette.
What literary device is used in this sentence?
Question #5
Raj rapped with
the band while the
man in the tan hat
clapped.
What literary device is used in this sentence?
Question #6
The egg popped
and sizzled in the
frying pan.
The words "popped" and "sizzled" are words that
sound like their meaning. What literary device is
this?
Read this excerpt from Question #7
William Wordsworth's
poem "I Wandered
Lonely as a Cloud" (16):

"I wandered lonely as a cloud


That floats on high o'er vales and hills"

What literary device is used in the phrase


"I wandered lonely as a cloud?"
Read this excerpt from Question #8
William Wordsworth's
poem "I Wandered
Lonely as a Cloud" (16):

"Ten thousand saw I at a glance,


Tossing their heads in sprightly dance."

This excerpt describes a field of daffodils. What literary device


is used in the phrase "tossing their heads in sprightly dance."?
4. Alliteration
Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds. In this example, the /p/ sound is repeated throughout the
sentence in the words "Pretty", "Princess", "Parama", "prefers", "prance" and "pirouette."

5. Assonance
Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds. The words "rapped" "band" "man" "tan" "hat", and "clapped" all
have the short a vowel sound.

6. Onomatopoeia
Onomatopoeia is when a word evokes its actual sound. The sounds of the words "pop" (which means a
sharp, snapping noise) and "sizzle" (a hissing sound that is made when cooking) suggest the words
themselves.

7. Simile
This phrase shows an indirect comparison between I/ the speaker and a cloud, using the word "as".

8. Personification.
In this excerpt, daffodils are described as "tossing their heads in sprightly dance", which is an action that
only humans can perform.
The silent Patient
Assignment: Poetic Portrayal of Alicia from "The Silent Patient"

Compose a concise, five-line poem on Alicia, the protagonist


of the novel "The Silent Patient," highlighting her traits, actions,
and personality.

Instructions:
Select a poetic form or structure (e.g., sonnet, haiku,
quatrain) that best suits your creative expression.
Familiarize yourself with Alicia's character, traits, actions,
and personality by reading "The Silent Patient."
Craft a poem that captures Alicia's essence, employing the
chosen poetic structure.
Ensure that the poem contains five lines and follows a
rhyme scheme and rhythm.
Incorporate at least 2-3 poetic devices learned, such as
metaphors, imagery, alliteration, or personification.
Synonym & antonym
The silent Patient
Example Poem (utilizing a quatrain structure
with metaphors and alliteration):

In shadows draped, a wounded dove,


Her silence speaks, a tale of love.
Alicia's soul, a painting veiled,
Whispered hues, emotions jailed.

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