1. Unlike prose in many ways
Poetry
Unlike prose in many ways

2. Unlike Prose: Poetry has a musical quality
In the days before written stories, stories were passed down through poems often set to music.

3. Unlike Prose: Uses highly charged, meaningful words
Words convey vivid pictures, sounds and feelings. Words are meant to appeal to our senses.

4. Compare to prose: Poetry is Written in lines.
(Prose is written in sentences.)
Poetry is Grouped together in stanzas.
(Prose is grouped in paragraphs.)
Lines are not the same as sentences. Poetry often uses punctuation as well as lines to indicate meaning.

5. Unique qualities of Poetry
Use of meter or rhythm
Poetry uses a special “beat” that often holds it together.

6. Unique qualities of Poetry
Rhyme
Not all poetry uses rhyme.
Rhyme should be used to strengthen the images of the poem, not detract from them.

7. Unique qualities of Poetry
Poetry is generally, relatively short and “jam-packed” with meaning.

8. Bianco Hernandez Hint:
When you try to figure out the meaning of a poem, first read the poem in stanzas and rhythm.
THEN…READ THE POEM IN SENTENCES.
Use the punctuation to help figure out the meaning of the poem!!!