1. Introduction to Poetry
Communications 11
Mrs. Taylor

2. What is Poetry?

3. POETRY: po·et·ry, pōətrē noun
A literary work in which special intensity is given to the expression of feelings and ideas by the use of distinctive style and rhythm; poems collectively or as a genre of literature.
A quality of beauty and intensity of emotion regarded as characteristic of poems.
Something regarded as comparable to poetry in its beauty.

4. Different Types of Poetry

5. Lyric Poetry
Lyric Poetry: Primary function is to express a state of mind or strong emotion
Often written in 1st person (“I”)
Eg. Free verse/haiku/Sonnet

6. Satirical Poetry
Satirical Poetry: Poems that ridicule a particular person/society/human failing for the purpose of creating positive change
When reading, identify what or who is being ridiculed and why?

7. Narrative, Light, and Descriptive Poetry
Narrative Poetry: Poetry that tells a story. It has a conflict, characters, and context (time/place/situation).
Light Verse: Comic poetry. Clever, witty, rude. Limerick. Uses puns.
Descriptive Poetry: Poetry that uses figurative language to create an image in the mind of the reader. Appeals to many senses. Engages our feelings/imagination.

8. Reflective and Didactic Poetry
Reflective Poetry: Poetry that asks an ESSENTIAL QUESTION.
Eg. Who am I? Why was I born? What does it mean to be human? Why do I feel? What is the nature of happiness?
Didactic Poetry: Poetry that, in a subtle way, teaches a lesson. Asks the reader to reflect upon their own actions and beliefs.

9. Some literary terms for your literary terms booklet
36. Stanza: A “chunk” or paragraph of poetry.
34. Soliloquy: A speech or monologue made by a character in a play that only the audience can overhear.
16. Narrative: The story that is told in a piece of literature
39. Theme: The message, meaning or overarching idea of a piece of literature
48. Hyperbole: An exaggeration for effect in a piece of literature
52. Tone: The feeling or mood created by the author in a piece of literature