What is Poetry? Complete lesson with handouts

What is Poetry?
Poetry is a type of literature.
It uses words to “paint a picture,” tell a story, and express feelings and ideas.
Poetry has a distinctive form.
Its words are arranged in lines and stanzas, using figurative language, imagery, and musicality.
A poem’s musicality is created through “sound devices.”
Sound Devices
Rhyme
End Rhyme:
The last word of each line rhymes with the last word of another line.
Example:
And I see him jump before me, when I jump into my bed.
Alternate Rhyme:
Alternating lines have the same end rhyme.
Example:
Are strong as iron bands.
Rhythm
The pattern of arranging words with the same number of syllables per line to create a beat when read.
Example:
And summer’s lease hath all too short a date; (10)
Repetition
Duplicating a word or words to show importance.
Example:
And miles to go before I sleep.
Alliteration
Repetition of the initial consonant sound of a series of words.
Example:
It will make my batter bitter.”
Onomatopoeia
Words that imitate the sound they describe.
Example:
In the icy air of night!
Let’s Practice!
Study the lines below. Identify which techniques are used:
Alliteration, Rhyme, Onomatopoeia, Repetition, Rhythm
Example 1:
Lingeringly the land
Alliteration:
“S” in splintering and sand; “L” in lingeringly and leaving.
Rhyme:
Wave - leave (near rhyme); Sand - land (end rhyme); ABAB rhyme scheme.
Rhythm:
Alternating rhyme scheme (ABAB) with a syllable count of 5-6-6-6.
Example 2:
Drip-hiss-the rain never stops
Rhyme:
Raindrops - stops; Steams - beams (ABBA rhyme scheme).
Onomatopoeia:
“Drip” and “hiss” imitate sounds.
Repetition:
“Drip” and “hiss” are repeated, mimicking raindrops.
Summary
Poetic devices
make poems more meaningful and engaging through
musicality or sound devices
like alliteration, rhythm, rhyme, onomatopoeia, and repetition.