Elements of Poetry 8

Elements of Poetry

Grade 8

Structure

The structure of a poem is the way words, lines, and groups of lines are arranged.

• Lines - Most poetry is arranged in lines, or groups of words. Poets may break, or end, a line to emphasize an idea.

• Stanzas - lines may be grouped into stanzas, like paragraphs in an essay.

  • couplet - two line stanza

  • tercet - three line stanza

  • quatrain - four line stanza

Multiple Choice

What do you call a group of lines in a poem?

• Line

• Stanza

• Poem

• Sonnet

Multiple Choice

True or False: A poem can consist of more than one type of stanza.

• True

• False

Rhyme Scheme

The rhyme scheme is the pattern of rhymes at the ends of lines. Each new rhyme is given a letter.

Reorder

Put the lines of this poem in the correct "ABCB" rhyme scheme

• Roses are red,

• Violets are blue,

• Sugar is sweet,

• And so are you.

1

2

3

4

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4

​Meter

Meter is the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a poem. Each unit of stressed and unstressed syllables is called a foot.

​Poetic Forms

A poem's form is usually defined by it characteristics and purpose.

• Formal verse follows fixed, traditional patterns.

• Free verse uses poetic language, but does not follow traditional patterns.

There are three main categories of poetry.

• Lyric poetry expresses the thoughts and feelings of a single speaker.

• Narrative poetry tells a story. This includes ballads and epics.

• Dramatic poetry is drama in verse.

Speaker

The speaker in a poem is the person or character who communicates the words of the poet. Do not assume that the voice of the poem is the voice of the poet even when the poem is in first person.

Imagery

Poets create word pictures for readers by using imagery. Imagery is language that appeals to the five senses. It helps you to vividly imagine how something feels, tastes, looks, smells, or sounds.

Juxtaposition

Juxtaposition is a literary technique where two ideas are placed next to each other to reveal a contrast, or difference. For example, good and evil, war and peace, or justice and revenge.

​Figurative Language

Figurative language describes and compares things in a way that is not meant to be taken literally.

• Simile is a comparison using like or as.

• Metaphor is a direct comparison between two things.

• Extended metaphor carries a metaphor throughout the entire poem.

• Personification assigns human qualities to non-human subjects.

• Oxymoron is when you use opposite words together to describe something or someone

• Allusions are direct or implied references to other works or people.

​Sound Devices

• Alliteration is the repetition of the beginning sounds of words.

• Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds in stressed syllables that do not rhyme.

• Repetition is the repeated use of a word or phrase.

• Onomatopoeia is the use of words that imitate sounds.

• Connotation is the feelings that words create.

• Denotation is the dictionary definition of a word.

• Tone is the attitude that the writer projects in a poem.

Multiple Choice

What do we call a comparison using like or as?

• metaphor

• personification

• onomatopoeia

• meter

• simile

Multiple Choice

What type of figurative language is the following line?

The snow kissed her nose.

• metaphor

• personification

• onomatopoeia

• meter

• simile

Multiple Select

Which of the following is an example of an oxymoron?

• We have a love hate relationship.

• It was pretty awful of you to tell her secret.

• The meal the chef made was terribly good.

• All of the above

Multiple Choice

Why do authors and poets use repetition?

• They ran out of words to say

• To emphasize an important point or idea

• Just for fun

Multiple Choice

In literature, what does the term "juxtaposition" refer to?

• A story with a linear plot structure

• The placement of two or more elements (characters, settings, ideas) side by side for the purpose of highlighting their contrasting qualities

• A narrative technique that involves flashbacks and flash-forwards

• The use of complex vocabulary and language in writing

Multiple Choice

What type of figurative language is the following line?

“Their words are trumpet blasts.”

• metaphor

• personification

• onomatopoeia

• meter

• simile

Multiple Choice

"Buzz, clink, toll, hiss" are examples of what type of sound device?

• metaphor

• personification

• onomatopoeia

• meter

• simile