Elements of Poetry 8

Structure

The structure of a poem is the way words, lines, and groups of lines are arranged.

• Lines - Most poetry is arranged in lines, or groups of words. Poets may break, or end, a line to emphasize an idea.

• Stanzas - lines may be grouped into stanzas, like paragraphs in an essay.

  • couplet - two line stanza

  • tercet - three line stanza

  • quatrain - four line stanza

Rhyme

The rhyme scheme is the pattern of rhymes at the ends of lines. Each new rhyme is given a letter.

​Meter

Meter is the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a poem. Each unit of stressed and unstressed syllables is called a foot.

​Poetic Forms

A poem's form is usually defined by it characteristics and purpose.

• Formal verse follows fixed, traditional patterns.

• Free verse uses poetic language, but does not follow traditional patterns.

There are three main categories of poetry.

• Lyric poetry expresses the thoughts and feelings of a single speaker.

• Narrative poetry tells a story. This includes ballads and epics.

• Dramatic poetry is drama in verse.

Speaker

The speaker in a poem is the person or character who communicates the words of the poet. Do not assume that the voice of the poem is the voice of the poet even when the poem is in first person.

Imagery

Poets create word pictures for readers by using imagery. Imagery is language that appeals to the five senses.

​Figurative Language

Figurative language describes and compares things in a way that is not meant to be taken literally.

• Simile is a comparison using like or as.

• Metaphor is a direct comparison between two things.

• Extended metaphor carries a metaphor throughout the entire poem.

• Personification assigns human qualities to non-human subjects.

• Analogy explains, clarifies, or illustrates by giving examples.

• Allusions are direct or implied references to other works or people.

​Sound Devices

• Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds.

• Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds in stressed syllables that do not rhyme.

• Repetition is the repeated use of a word or phrase.

• Onomatopoeia is the use of words that imitate sounds.

• Connotation is the feelings that words create.

• Denotation is the dictionary definition of a word.

• Tone is the attitude that the writer projects in a poem.