Introduction to Poetry

Introduction to Poetry “In a poem the words should be as pleasing to the ear as the meaning is to the mind.” -- Marianne Moore

The Human Brain • Divided into 2 parts • Each half has its own function Right Brain: Creativity Emotions Left Brain: Logic Reality

To clarify . . . When you are looking at big puffy clouds . . . Your right brain tells you, “Hey! That one looks like a bunny.” While your left brain tells you . . .

It’s a cloud, Stupid!

So, which half do you use when studying poetry? Here are a few hints: • Poetry requires creativity • Poetry requires emotion • Poetry requires an artistic quality • Poetry requires logic Survey says . . .

both

For the Left Brain: Recognizing certain devices used within a poem will give the left brain something to concentrate on. We’ll start with the sound devices:

3 types of poetry • Narrative Poetry • Lyric Poetry • Free Verse Poetry

Narrative Poetry • This is the first type of poetry you will learn about; it is poetry that tells a story and is set to music. • So what makes a good poem?

Knock, Knock • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eYH0AFx6yI • Can spoken word be poetry?

Annabel Lee • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zprRV0xQ33w&feature=kp • What about poetry set to music?

Narrative Poetry • Is both spoken and can be set to music • It tells a story that has a beginning, middle and end; it has characters and setting, not just emotions.

Introduction to Poetry