1. POETRY (What is it?)

2. Definition of poetry Take a few minutes to talk with the person next to you and try to come up with a definition Think of keywords and examples

3. Definition of poetry by the Oxford dictionary Literary work in which the expression of feelings and ideas is given intensity by the use of distinctive style and rhythm.

4. Definition of poetry by Greg Poetry is the art of creating one’s own language in order to say one thing whilst saying another thing. The meaning is in the words, between the words and beyond the words. E.g. ”Looking at her was like watching the sunset through a black-eye.”

6. A few important concepts Narrative poetry Lyric poetry Metaphor vs comparison

7. Narrative Poetry A narrative poem tells a story. It always has a plot: something happens. Most ancient form of poetry. Narrative poetry must rhyme.

8. Lyric Poetry Lyric poetry is a genre of poetry that expresses personal and emotional feelings. It does not tell a story, but instead presents a state of mind or an emotional state. The characters are ususally hard to pin down.

9. Example of lyric poetry “First Fig” My candle burns at both ends; It will not last the night; But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends— It gives a lovely light. Edna St. Vincent Millay

10. So… what is a metaphor? A metaphor is not a comparison A metaphor is a nonsense that makes sense (in the context) E.g. ”My neighbour is an elephant. She makes so much noise!” My neighbour is an elephant -> metaphor My neighbour walks like an elephant -> comparison

11. Can you find two metaphors using the word ’head’ E.g. My head is going to explode if he says the word ’poetry’ one more time.

12. ’I didn’t know what to reply, my head was totally empty.’ ’I walked back home with a smile on my face; my heart was filled with love, my head was light.’

13. Can you find two comparisons using the word ’head’ E.g. When she gets angry her head looks like a big tomato.

14. What good poetry does…. It talks to the mind and soul. It prefers metaphors to comparisons. It chooses words that carry a deeper meaning. It does not explain, it shows

15. Example of good poetry For sale: baby shoes, never worn. Ernest Hemingway

16. Example of bad poetry Hit by a truck Lucky in love, lucky in love Didn't forget me when I asked you to leave me Didn't forget me Now you're alongside me You've brought luck to love I've been hit by a truck in love. Anonymous

17. For next time, could you work in pairs and: Choose a short poem (max 8 lines) Present it for the class (you will have to show it on the white board) Explain why it is poetic Classify it either as a good or a bad poem Explain why you think it is good/bad Find at least one metaphor/comparison and explain it