Narrative Poetry

What is narrative poetry? Narrative poems are some of the oldest forms of literature and are simply poems that tell a story Before there were printed books, people would use narrative poems to tell stories (epic poetry, for example) Narrative poems are known for their use of rhyme, rhythm, repetition, and vivid imagery in order to make the story easier to remember and share

Example – Edgar Allen Poe “Annabel Lee” (Part 1/2) It was many and many a year ago, In a kingdom by the sea, That a maiden there lived whom you may know By the name of Annabel Lee; And this maiden she lived with no other thought Than to love and be loved by me. I was a child and she was a child, In this kingdom by the sea, But we loved with a love that was more than love— I and my Annabel Lee— With a love that the wingèd seraphs of Heaven Coveted her and me. And this was the reason that, long ago, A wind blew out of a cloud, chilling My beautiful Annabel Lee; So that her highborn kinsmen came And bore her away from me, To shut her up in a sepulchre In this kingdom by the sea.

Example – Edgar allen poe “Anabel Lee” (Part 2/2) The angels, not half so happy in Heaven, Went envying her and me— Yes!—that was the reason (as all men know, In this kingdom by the sea) That the wind came out of the cloud by night, Chilling and killing my Annabel Lee. But our love it was stronger by far than the love Of those who were older than we— Of many far wiser than we— And neither the angels in Heaven above Nor the demons down under the sea Can ever dissever my soul from the soul Of the beautiful Annabel Lee; For the moon never beams, without bringing me dreams And the stars never rise, but I feel the bright eyes And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side Of my darling—my darling—my life and my bride, In her sepulchre there by the sea— In her tomb by the sounding sea.

Example – Taylor Swift Many songs tend to tell a story of some kind Taylor Swift songs are especially known for doing this

Example – Taylor Swift

Example – Taylor swift “Love Story” (Part 1/2) We were both young when I first saw you. I close my eyes and the flashback starts: I'm standing there on a balcony in summer air. See the lights, see the party, the ball gowns. See you make your way through the crowd And say, "Hello." Little did I know... That you were Romeo, you were throwing pebbles, And my daddy said, "Stay away from Juliet." And I was crying on the staircase Begging you, "Please don't go." And I said... Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone. I'll be waiting; all that's left to do is run. You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess, It's a love story, baby, just say "Yes.“ So I sneak out to the garden to see you. We keep quiet 'cause we're dead if they knew So close your eyes, Escape this town for a little while. Oh, oh. 'Cause you were Romeo, I was a scarlet letter, And my daddy said, "Stay away from Juliet." But you were everything to me, I was begging you, "Please don't go." And I said...

Example – Taylor swift “Love Story” (Part 2/2) Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone. I'll be waiting; all that's left to do is run. You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess. It's a love story, baby, just say "Yes". Romeo, save me. They're trying to tell me how to feel. This love is difficult but it's real. Don't be afraid, we'll make it out of this mess. It's a love story, baby, just say "Yes". Oh, oh, oh. I got tired of waiting Wondering if you were ever coming around. My faith in you was fading When I met you on the outskirts of town. And I said... Romeo, save me. I've been feeling so alone. I keep waiting for you, but you never come. Is this in my head? I don't know what to think. He knelt to the ground and pulled out a ring and said... Marry me, Juliet, you'll never have to be alone. I love you, and that's all I really know. I talked to your dad – go pick out a white dress It's a love story, baby, just say "Yes". Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh. 'Cause we were both young when I first saw you

Your turn Write a poem using a rhyme scheme of your choosing and proper stanzas and literary devices to tell a story of some kind. First choose your topic. Your story could be a love story, a tragedy, a funny memory, etc. Next, brainstorm a beginning, middle, and end to your poem.