A little bit about poetry… 7th Grade Notes

Alliteration The repetition of a sound at the beginning of a word, for example: “A little alliteration lets the lesson linger longer”

Rhyme Repetition of ending sounds is called rhyme. Rhyme may be found within the same line of poetry or at the end of lines.

Simile & Metaphor A simile is a comparison of two things using the word like or as. A metaphor is a comparison of two unlike things without using clue words such as like or as. Here’s a jingle to help you!!

Simile and Metaphor Jingle “A simile is like a song it’s easy to remember; a metaphor makes soft white snow sifted sugar in December.”

Personification Giving human like traits to a NON-human object. For example, the wind might be described as a person banging on a window.

Symbolism The use of an object, person, place, or even event that stands for something else.

Theme The message of a poem. The theme is what the writer wants to get across to you, as the reader.

Imagery Words that appeal to the five senses: taste, touch, smell, see, and hear. These words are used to “paint a picture” in your mind.

Couplet A couplet is a pair of lines that has end rhyme (the end of the line of poetry rhymes) Example: Jane was sad he had gone, But she knew his spirit would live on.

Stanza A stanza is a group of lines in a poem. Stanzas are generally separated by a double space.

Narrative Poetry A narrative poem tells a story, just like a short story. It has an introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and a conclusion. It also will have characters. Example: “The Highwayman”

REMEMBER! Poem titles require QUOTATION marks, so make sure to use them when you are answering questions on your homework, study guide, etc 

Types of Poems Haikus Limericks Lyric Poetry Narrative Poems Epic Poems

Haiku A short, three line poem. The first line has 5 syllables, the 2nd has 7, and the 3rd has 5. Japanese in origin. Usually about nature.

Limerick A funny, five line poem. Lines 1,2, & 5 rhyme. They usually tell a short story or event.

Lyric Poetry This type of poetry does not tell a story. It expresses an emotion, mood, or describes a scene in nature, etc. Often these poems do not rhyme. Think about song LYRICS.

Narrative Poetry Narrative poems tell a story. They have a plot, characters, and conflict-just like a short story.

Epic Poems Epic poems are VERY long (many pages!) and they involve a hero and his journey. Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight are some of the most famous epic poems.