1. Obj: I will learn the format to write an elegy poem

2. What is an elegy?  An elegy is a sad poem expressing grief or sorrow over the death of a person, place, or thing.  It is usually someone the poet admired, loved or respected; a place that was meaningful, sacred, or special; or a thing like an object, an idea, or a habit.

3. Format of an elegy?  The elegy does not have any specific format; however, the mood must be a somber (sad) one.  An elegy uses good imagery and other figurative language and sound devices to express feelings.

4. “Martin Luther King, Jr.” by Gwendoly Brooks pg. 465 A man went forth with gifts. He was a prose poem. He was a tragic grace. He was a warm music. He tried to heal the vivid volcanoes. His ashes are reading the world. His Dream still wishes to anoint the barricades of faith and of control. His word still burns the center of the sun, above the thousands and the hundred thousands. The word was Justice. It was spoken. So it shall be spoken. So it shall be done.

5. “Death of a Young Son by Drowning” by Margaret Atwood pg. 794

6. “Funeral Blues” – W.H. Auden

7. What are some possible topics?  People you’ve known  People you admire  Bad Habits  Phases of your life  Relationships  Places that no longer exist.  Free Write about one or two of these ideas. Focus on specific memories surrounding your ideas. You will write for 15 minutes.

8. Requirements for an Elegy  It must be at least 15 lines  You must use two figurative language  You must use one sound device  It needs to express sadness over the loss of someone you admire, a bad habit, a stage of your life, a time or place that no longer exists.