Elements of Poetry

Exploring the patterns created by the formal elements of literature helps us to understand more deeply a text’s meaning and the nuances that enrich that meaning.

This kind of formal close reading of the text is fundamental to any analysis of literature. Why?

Alliteration Two or more words which have the same initial sound Alliteration Two or more words which have the same initial sound. Example: Pretty princess Analogy A comparison that assumes that two objects or events that are alike in one respect will be alike in another. Example: “MTV is to music as KFC is to chicken” Assonance A partial rhyme which has the same internal vowel sounds amongst different words. Example: The tundra left the man hungry for buns Metaphor A comparison which does not use the words like or as. Example: Life is a journey. Onomatopoeia Words that sound like their meaning. Example: buzz, moo, pow. Repetitions The repetition of the same word throughout the poem to emphasize significance. Rhyme The repetition of sounds within different words, either end sound, middle or beginning. Example: loose goose.

Rhyme The repetition of sounds within different words, either end sound, middle or beginning. Example: loose goose. Rhythm The flow of words within each meter and stanza. Example: Iambic pentameter. Simile A comparison using the words like or as. Example: Life is like a box of chocolates. Style The way the poem is written. Free-style, ballad, haiku, etc. Includes length of meters, number of stanzas along with rhyme techniques and rhythm. Symbol Something that represents something else through association, resemblance or convention Theme The message, point of view and idea of the poem.

Introducing... DRIFT

D RI F T iction hyme and Rhythm magery orm one/Voice

D RI F T iction

An author’s choice of words An author’s choice of words. In good writing words are not chosen lightly but are carefully selected for their impact, including subtle connotations.

Toboggan Hill by Gordon Downie I’m thinking back to when we were young and eating donuts with a set of plastic vampire teeth that we were passing back and forth. We weren’t so young as to think a dog was a horse. Nor were we old enough yet to name the cold purpose of musical chairs. We were like-minded spirits ekeing out a rhythm whispering transmissions through wet woollen mittens. Growing up on a toboggan hill nothing was material. I’m thinking back to when we were young if only to find out forensically what it was we used to want.

Toboggan Hill by Gordon Downie I’m thinking back to when we were young and eating donuts with a set of plastic vampire teeth that we were passing back and forth. We weren’t so young as to think a dog was a horse. Nor were we old enough yet to name the cold purpose of musical chairs. We were like-minded spirits ekeing out a rhythm whispering transmissions through wet woollen mittens. Growing up on a toboggan hill nothing was material. I’m thinking back to when we were young if only to find out forensically what it was we used to want.

Each pair/group will use the poems you brought to class today Each pair/group will use the poems you brought to class today. Analyze and discuss the voices and diction and write a thesis to show the main differences between your selections to share and discuss.

D RI F T hyme and Rhythm

Rhyme is the author’s use of words with similar or identical sounds Rhyme is the author’s use of words with similar or identical sounds. Rhythm is the author’s control of the flow of sound. This can be achieved through the use of punctuation, line lengths and breaks, syllables, diction, etc.

Rhyme is used very often in poetry but it’s never quite as obvious as...

This example is called True Rhyme This example is called True Rhyme. The matching sounds are identical which makes this the easiest rhyme to spot.

Slant Rhyme (or half rhyme) is where the sounds are similar but not identical. Example: I sat in the dark nursing my broken heart.

Eye Rhyme (or sight rhyme) is where the last syllables look alike but sound different. Example: have and grave

Internal Rhyme links two or more rhyming words within the same line. Ie. “The bird heard the word of Mr. Graham” Double Rhyme is a two-syllable rhyme as in “running” and “sunning”

A Rhyme Scheme is a recurring pattern of rhymed endings repeated regularly in each stanza. Examples: ABAB, AABB, ABBA, etc.

D RI F T magery

Descriptive or figurative language used to create word pictures for the reader that can be perceived by any of the five senses.

The Red Wheelbarrow by William Carlos Williams so much depends upon a red wheel barrow glazed with rain water beside the white chickens.

This Is a Photograph of Me by Margaret Atwood It was taken some time ago. At first it seems to be a smeared print: blurred lines and grey flecks blended with the paper; then, as you scan it, you see in the left-hand corner a thing that is like a branch: part of a tree (balsam or spruce) emerging and, to the right, halfway up what ought to be a gentle slope, a small frame house. In the background there is a lake, and beyond that, some low hills. (The photograph was taken the day after I drowned. I am in the lake, in the centre of the picture, just under the surface. It is difficult to say where precisely, or to say how large or small I am: the effect of water on light is a distortion but if you look long enough, eventually you will be able to see me.)

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Poetry can take many different forms Poetry can take many different forms. Each for comes with its own unique rules and limitations that can affect numerous elements. Examples: Sonnet, Free Verse, Blank Verse, Haiku, etc.

D RI F T one/Voice

A writer’s attitude and approach towards his/her subject and/or audience. This attitude can best be discovered through the choice of diction which collectively reveals the tone.

I don’t want to because boys don’t write poetry. Girls do I don’t want to because boys don’t write poetry. Girls do. - Sharon Creech from Love That Dog