Poetry

Poetry

Elements of Poetry

3. Rhyme scheme: the pattern of how lines in a poem rhyme

4. Symbolism: the use of symbols to stand for certain ideas

1. Stanza: a group of lines within a poem

2. Repetition: a word or idea that is repeated

Stanza

Excerpts from “Daffodils” by William Wordsworth

I Wander'd lonely as a cloud That floats on high o'er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host, of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

For oft, when on my couch I lie In vacant or in pensive mood, They flash upon that inward eye Which is the bliss of solitude; And then my heart with pleasure fills, And dances with the daffodils.

Repetition and Rhyme Scheme

Excerpt from “The Weary Blues” by Langston Hughes

Thump, thump, thump, went his foot on the floor.He played a few chords then he sang some more— “I got the Weary Blues And I can’t be satisfied. Got the Weary Blues

And can’t be satisfied— I ain’t happy no mo’ And I wish that I had died.”And far into the night he crooned that tune.The stars went out and so did the moon.

The singer stopped playing and went to bedWhile the Weary Blues echoed through his head.He slept like a rock or a man that’s dead.

Symbolism

Excerpt from “Hidden Flame” by John Dryden

I feed a flame within, which so torments me That it both pains my heart, and yet contents me: 'Tis such a pleasing smart*, and I so love it, That I had rather die than once remove it. Yet he, for whom I grieve, shall never know it; My tongue does not betray, nor my eyes show it. Not a sigh, nor a tear, my pain discloses, But they fall silently, like dew on roses.

 *sharp pain

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