Elements of Poetry

Poets have many tools they use to add to the poem’s sound, meaning, and emotional effect on the reader .

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Poetry is the art of expressing one’s thoughts in verse.

It uses few words to convey its message.

It is meant to be read aloud.

Poetry arouses our emotions.

Poems use imagery or figures of speech to explain feelings or to create a mental picture or idea.

These suggest action or mood.

Many poems have a specific rhyme scheme.

Poems can rhyme or not rhyme.

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Simile

Comparison between 2 things, using the words like or as.

Poets use comparisons between things to make you think about them in a new way.

Used to surprise the reader and to create strong images.

“The World” by Noel Berry The trees are like the hair of the world.

The city is like the heart of the world.

The wind is a flute player playing in the night.

The cars beeping horns are like buttons beeping inside the earth.

Each bird is like a single piccolo singing away and the grass, just like me, being buried under the snow.

Metaphor

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Direct comparison between 2 things.

Does NOT use the words like or as.

Poet describes a thing or person as if it actually the other thing or person.

were Creates a clear, memorable picture and tries to get you to see the original subject in a new way.

“Dreams” by Langston Hughes Hold fast to dreams For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams For when dreams go Life is a barren field Frozen with snow.

Personification

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Type of figure of speech that gives human qualities to animals, objects, or ideas.

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Adds life to a poem and helps the reader view a familiar thing in a new way.

“Snowy Benches” by Aileen Fisher Do parks get lonely in winter, perhaps, when benches have only snow on their laps?

IT’S TIME TO SHOW WHAT YOU KNOW!!!

"Alright, the sky misses the sun at night.“ This is an example of what?

PERSONIFICATION

"I move fast like a cheetah on the Serengeti." This is an example of what?

SIMILIE

"You are an ant, while I'm the lion." This is an example of what?

METAPHOR

As cunning as a fox. This is an example of what?

SIMILIE

The stars danced playfully in the moonlit sky. This is an example of what?

PERSONIFICATION

The river swallowed the earth as the water continued to rise higher and higher. This is an example of what?

PERSONIFICATION

As fast as a racecar This is an example of what?

SIMILIE

His belt was a snake curling around his waist This is an example of what?

PERSONIFICATION

Can you master EOG style Questions?

Identify the Elements of Poetry 1. Use the poetry books and/or poem handouts to find an example of each element of poetry.

2. Share your examples with your teams/partners.

3. Be prepared to share your examples with the class. Make sure you can explain why each example fits an element of poetry.