Poetry 101

September 22, 2016

This unit we are working on reading poetry and making sure we have an understanding of how to be able to understand what we are reading. This first helpful hint to be able to fully understand the poem that you just read, you first must read the story through with no pauses or questioning of what the author means by a phrase. The second time you read you attempt to make a more thorough connection with what the author means by the words used or where they are located in the poem. After having an understanding of what the author means by each line in the poem, you then paraphrase what you just read. When you paraphrase, you put everything into your own words. It is much like summarizing, but you are able to add your own perception of what is happening in the story instead of just the facts.
There are four types of poetry; Lyric, narrative, dramatic monologue, and didactic. Lyric poetry is a poem written in first person and expresses their thoughts and feelings. Also lyric poetry is written in a song-like form that has the same emotional impact as music. Narrative poetry tells the story, it is much like a fictional story. Narrative poetry creates the setting and characters while also keeping the reader engaged. Dramatic monologue is a poem that is written as a speech made by a character at a very important point in the story. This is when the main character, or the one giving the speech, addresses those in the story who are silent. Lastly is didactic poetry is written as a statement or to teach knowledge to the audience. Didactic poetry teaches the readers life lessons along with moral lessons.