READING AND WRITING about POETRY Part III/Chapter 11 English 1302

Poiein A Greek work meaning “to create or make.” Or a Poem or Poetry. A created artifact A structure that develops from the human imagination Is expressed rhythmically in words Describes a wide variety of spoken and written forms, styles, patterns, and subjects. READ IT, STUDY IT, SAVOR IT, THINK ABOUT IT, DREAM ABOUT IT, LEARN IT, MEMORIZE IT, MULL IT OVER, TALK ABOUT IT, ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT IT, ENJOY IT, LOVE IT.

POETRY – The History Date back to the period of Old English (450-1100). Early English poems reflect the influence of Christianity. Beowulf Middle English period (1100-1500) Write about many other subjects Religious themes have remained important. Includes all topics.

How to Read a Poem Understand The language Ideas Attitudes Frames of reference Read carefully, thoughtfully, sympathetically. Interact with the poem.

Appreciating Poetry Recognize the poem’s Language Imagery Rhythm Ideas Other poetic aspects Use your imagination

Analyzing Poetry Read each poem more than once. Read straight through to get a general sense of the poem Don’t stop to puzzle out hard passages or obscure words During the reread Try to understand the poem’s meaning and organization

Analyzing Poetry continued … Study these Elements The title The speaker The meanings of all words (familiar and unfamiliar) The setting and situation Basic form and development Subject and theme

Analyzing Poetry continued … Read the poem aloud, sounding each word clearly Prepare a paraphrase of the poem, and make an explication of the ideas and themes.

Don’t forget TP-CASTT! Check your notes or Wikispaces for more details.

Let’s Analyze! Mueller 626; Dickinson 635; Frost 637; Lazarus 640; Words 653-660; Carroll 663; Cummings 665; Housman 670; Ortiz-Cofer 673; Wordsworth 1095