Poetry Notes: Odes & Sonnets “Poetry is ordinary language raised to the Nth power. Poetry is boned with ideas, nerved and blooded with emotions, all held together by the delicate, tough skin of words.” -- Paul Engle
Sonnet A 14 line lyric poem. There are several types of sonnets, many address strong emotions. A 14 line lyric poem. There are several types of sonnets, many address strong emotions. Examples: Examples: William Shakespeare William Shakespeare Pablo Neruda Pablo Neruda e. e. cummings e. e. cummings
Ode A lyric poem, rhymed or unrhymed, written in praise or celebration of a subject. A lyric poem, rhymed or unrhymed, written in praise or celebration of a subject. Examples: Examples: Pablo Neruda Pablo Neruda Sarah Kay Sarah Kay
Simile A comparison between two unlike things, using a word such as like, as, than, or resembles. A comparison between two unlike things, using a word such as like, as, than, or resembles. Examples: Examples: "Life is like an onion: You peel it off one layer at a time, and sometimes you weep." (Carl Sandburg) "Life is like an onion: You peel it off one layer at a time, and sometimes you weep." (Carl Sandburg) "you fit into me like a hook into an eye a fish hook an open eye" (Margaret Atwood) "you fit into me like a hook into an eye a fish hook an open eye" (Margaret Atwood)
Metaphor A comparison between two unlike things in which one thing is said to be another. A comparison between two unlike things in which one thing is said to be another. Example: Example: "Life is a journey, but don't worry, you'll find a parking spot at the end." (Isaac Asimov) "Life is a journey, but don't worry, you'll find a parking spot at the end." (Isaac Asimov) Eyes are the windows to the soul. Eyes are the windows to the soul.
Hyperbole Overstating something, usually for comic effect – exaggeration. Overstating something, usually for comic effect – exaggeration. Example: Example: I’m so hungry I could eat a horse. I’m so hungry I could eat a horse. His teeth were blinding white. His teeth were blinding white. I don’t have two nickels to rub I don’t have two nickels to rubtogether.
Personification When an animal, object, or idea is given human feelings, thoughts, or attitudes. When an animal, object, or idea is given human feelings, thoughts, or attitudes. Examples: Examples: My computer throws a fit every My computer throws a fit every time I try to use it. The waffle jumped up The waffle jumped up out of the toaster.