Analyzing the Structure of a Poem

​Skill: Poetic Elements & Structure

The Journey ​

​Poetic Elements: Context

Poetic structure describes the organization of words and lines in a poem as well as its rhyme scheme and meter. Poems consist of words that are divided into lines. A group of lines is called a stanza. Other elements of poetry that contribute to structure include rhyme and rhythm. Rhyme is the repetition of the same or similar vowel sounds. The rhyme scheme of a poem is the pattern formed by the rhyming words at the end of lines. Rhythm is the pattern of unstressed and stressed syllables in a line of poetry. A regular pattern is called meter, and it gives a line of poetry a predictable rhythm. The poet’s choice of poetic form, or arrangement and style of a poem, will help determine the structure. Common forms include haiku, limerick, and sonnet, each with its own rules. Poetry without a consistent meter, rhyme, or stanza length is called open form.

Rhyme

Rhyme Scheme

Rhythm

Stanza ​

Line

Meter

Open Form

Poetic Form

Poetic Structure ​​

​Poetic Elements: Vocabulary

​Below you have the nine vocabulary terms that represent poetic elements and structure.

​Definitions

​Below are the definitions to the nine poetic element terms.

​Group Task - you will have to complete the following before the end of class

1. Organize yourselves​ into the groups that have been preselected.

2. You will create a 10 slide presentation (Google Slide).

3. Your presentation must include a title slide and 9 slides for the terms.​

4. You will properly define each term on their own individual slide.

5. You will identify an example for each term from the two poems we have previously read.

6. ​You can use Google images and any other resources to build your presentations, but they need to be understood by a high school student.

​Groups