It is a form of literature which makes use of creative language to express ideas creatively.

To identify a poem, you need to know its elements.​

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Elements of a Poem

The words of a poem form a line.

Lines usually end with words that may rhyme with another line.

Lines usually have a set number of syllables.​

Line

Words that sound the same, specially in their last syllable.

Examples: contentment - disappointment, stands - hands​

Rhyme

Elements of a Poem

It is the character who is speaking in the poem.

The persona is created by the author, or it may be the author themselves.

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Persona

A poem is divided into stanzas.

It is a group of lines in a poem.

Each stanza may express a different idea, emotion, or setting.​

Stanza

Elements of a Poem

Elements of a Poem

​Figure of Speech

Words or phrases which don't actually mean what they say.

They are figurative language.​

They help the reader get a strong idea of the persona's emotions through the use of symbols.​

A direct comparison of two unlike things.

Ex. A satisfied heart is a free bird.​

Metaphor

Compares two unlike things using like or as.

Ex. a friendship as strong as steel​

Simile

Figure of Speech

Used to emphasize an idea or add humor through exaggeration.

Ex. It was a flood of tears.​

Hyperbole

Used to associate human qualities to non-humans.

Ex. My heart sings of contentment.​

Personification

Figure of Speech

A direct or indirect reference to individuals, places or events that are famous.

Ex. O Titan, turn from pomp and power.​

Allusion

Meaning is expressed through contradiction.

Ex. If what is great may not be small,

And what is small may not be great.​

Irony

Figure of Speech

guerdon - reward

maimed - injured

mirth - gladness

raiment - garments

sheaf - a number of crops

spurn - reject with disdain

sundering - breaking apart

swarm - a large number​

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​Words to Learn

Guide Questions

1) What are some of the persona's challenges?

2) What are the persona's stars or crowns?​

3) What is the meaning of "my soul is still"?

4) Who do you think is the speaker?

5) Why do you think the title is "The Happy Warrior"?​

Answers

1) Some of the challenges are: He has no harvest, no savings, nothing to offer, etc.

2) The persona considers his scars as stars or crowns.

3) The meaning is self-aware and content.

4) Write your own answer.

5) Write your own answer.