Pro-se and Cons: Poetic Forms

Introduction

Poetry as a form of art is believed to predate literacy itself, in that it has existed in one way or another since before any form of written word we know of.  Based on some of the earliest known examples of poetry, it is closely related to musical traditions in the form of hymns, prayers, and religious stories.  Originally recited or sung, poetry seems to have begun as a rhythmic and repetitious way to make a long story easier to remember and retell to others.

Task

The following links help guide you through a greater understanding of the art of poetry, and some of the various poetic forms that exist.  Answer at least two questions per website, and have fun learning more about this genre of literature.

Process

 

http://www.poetry.org/whatis.htm

 

  1. Why is it often difficult to translate poetry from one language to another?
  2. Why can it be difficult for readers to have a “definitive interpretation” of a poem?
  3. What characteristics described in this piece, do you think make up “great” poetry?
  4. What characteristics of poetry resemble that of musical forms?
  5. What do you think “poetry for the eye and poetry for the ear” means, according to the reading?

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Pux6sS-Mqw

 

  1. Where and when do some of the first recorded accounts of poetry come from?
  2. What is the oldest surviving written poem we know of? What was it about?
  3. What are some of the differences between Greek and Chinese poetry?
  4. What did Geoffrey Chaucer do to counteract the problems about literacy during his time?
  5. How did poetry evolve during the “Romantic” era? 

Evaluation

http://www.shadowpoetry.com/resources/wip/types.html

 

  1. (ALL) Read the definitions of each of the following Traditional Poetry types listed on this website.
    1. Acrostic
    2. Fable
    3. Ballad
    4. Epic
    5. Free Verse
    6. Sonnet
    7. Tongue Twister
    8. Epigram
    9. Tanka
    10. Epitaph
    11. Haiku
    12. Limerick
    13. Ode
    14. Quatrain
    15. Shape Poetry

 

  1. Write an Acrostic based on your favorite sport, hobby, or place to visit (at least 5 letters).
  2. Write your own Epitaph as you would like it read to others (at least 4 lines).
  3. Which of the above poetry types is the following example? Write one of your own.

 

The Man From Aruba

 

There once was a man from Aruba,

Whose favorite hobby was scuba.

Every day he would wish,

He could spear a big fish.

But settled instead for canned tuna.

 

  1. Watch the following video by Dr. Maya Angelou.  What form of poetry is she using?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjEfq7wLm7M&feature=youtu.be

Conclusion

You Tube Videos – Watch the following examples of Slam Poetry, then discuss each within your small groups. Talk about their meaning and how these poems differ from prose poetry.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7TS2Z6lAI4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViFEZ1v1fIs&list=PLGlW86vQH0GU1j2xpF8m89v9aRAGoe7De

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcIwZ1Dth0c&index=15&list=PLGlW86vQH0GU1j2xpF8m89v9aRAGoe7De

 

 https://www.ted.com/talks/jamila_lyiscott_3_ways_to_speak_english