Poetry World Literature
Poetry is… Poetry is the most compressed form of literature. Poetry is composed of carefully chosen words expressing great depth of meaning. Poetry uses specific devices such as connotation, sound, and rhythm to express the appropriate combination of meaning and emotion.
Types of Poetry There are two basic types of poetry: traditional - follows standard rules of grammar and syntax with a regular rhythm and rhyme scheme. modern - avoids rhyme and standard grammatical organization and seeks new ways of expression.
Analyzing Poetry You analyze a poem to arrive at an intelligent interpretation and understand what you read. You must consider the following (TPFASTT): –Title –Paraphrase – Figurative Devices –Attitude –Shifts –Title –Theme
Figurative Language and Sound Devices
language not meant to be taken literally; also known as figures of speech (eg, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, and simile)
A reference to a historical figure, place, or event A reference to a historical figure, place, or event.
The teams competed in a David and Goliath struggle.
The repetition of words or phrases at the beginning or end of two or more lines.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
A direct comparison between two basically different things. A simile is introduced by the words “like” or “as”.
My love is like a red, red rose.
An implied comparison between two basically different things. Is not introduced with the words “like” or “as”. Extended Metaphor – one that goes through the entire poem.
His eyes were daggers that cut right through me.
A great exaggeration to emphasize strong feeling.
I will love you until all the seas go dry.
Human characteristics are given to non-human objects, or ideas.
My stereo walked out of my car.
The use of concrete details that appeal to the five senses.
Cold, wet leaves floating on moss- colored water.
The overall atmosphere or prevailing emotional feeling of a work.
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
A seemingly self- contradictory statement that still is true.
The more we learn, the less we know.
Sound Devices
The repetition of identical sounds at the ends of lines of poetry.
“He clasps the crag with crooked hands Close to the sun in lonely lands” from “The Eagle”
The repetition of identical sounds within a line of poetry.
“We three shall flee across the sea to Italy.”
The pattern of rhyming lines in a poem or song
Alone Edgar Allen Poe As others saw; I could not bring a My passions from a common spring. a From the same source I have not taken b My sorrow; I could not awaken b My heart to joy at the same tone; c And all I loved, I loved alone. c Then—in my childhood, in the dawn d Of a most stormy life—was drawn d From every depth of good and ill e The mystery which binds me still: e From the torrent, or the fountain, f From the red cliff of the mountain, f
A slant rhyme or half rhyme occurs when the vowel sounds are not quite identical.
“And on that cheek and o’er that brow” A mind at peace with all below”
The repeating of a sound, word, phrase, or more in a given literary work.
“I sprang to the stirrup, and Jarvis, and he; I galloped, Derrick galloped, we galloped all three”
The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginnings of words.
The repetition of similar vowel sounds followed by different consonant.
“...that hoard, and sleep, and feed, and know not me.”
The repetition of consonant sounds that are preceded by different vowel sounds.
“Wherever we go Silence will fall like dews”
The use of words whose sounds suggest the sounds made by objects or activities.
The snake hissed at us as we walked by. Other examples: buzz, hum, kiss Other examples: buzz, hum, kiss
Something concrete, such as an object, action, character, or scene that stands for something abstract such as a concept or an idea.
“Do not go gentle into that good night Rage, Rage against the dying of the light” Both phrases are symbols that stand for death. Both phrases are symbols that stand for death.
The person speaking in the poem
“Oh, I just can’t wait one second longer to open my presents.”
The author’s attitude toward the subject he/she is writing about.
The main idea or underlying meaning of a literary work.
“Don’t judge a man until you’ve walked a mile in his shoes”