The Elements of Poetry

Introduction to Poetry Poetry is the most compact form of literature. A poem packs all kinds of ideas, feelings, and sounds into a few carefully chosen words. The look, sound, and language of poetry all work together to create a total effect.

Form The arrangement of a poem on the page. The arrangement of a poem on the page. How a poem looks How a poem looks Can add meaning to the poem Can add meaning to the poem

Form Poetry is written in lines, which are NOT always complete sentences Poetry is written in lines, which are NOT always complete sentences Sometimes lines are separated into groups called stanzas Sometimes lines are separated into groups called stanzas

Rhythm The rhythm is the “beat” of the poem. The rhythm is the “beat” of the poem. It is the pattern of STRESSED and unSTRESSED syllables in a line of poetry. It is the pattern of STRESSED and unSTRESSED syllables in a line of poetry. toMAtoWAterREADing toMAtoWAterREADing

Rhythm Poems that do not have a regular rhythm are called free verse. Poems that do not have a regular rhythm are called free verse.

Rhyme Poets often use words that rhyme Poets often use words that rhyme Often, poets place the rhyming words at the end of a line of poetry Often, poets place the rhyming words at the end of a line of poetry This is called end rhyme This is called end rhyme

Repetition Poets often choose to repeat certain sounds, words, phrases, or whole lines Poets often choose to repeat certain sounds, words, phrases, or whole lines This helps the poet emphasize an idea or create a certain feeling This helps the poet emphasize an idea or create a certain feeling