Poetry Types and Elements

Overview

This lecture introduces the main types of poetry—lyric, dramatic, and narrative—exploring their key elements, differences, and the author's purpose in writing them.

Elements of Poetry

• Point of view is the speaker's perspective in the poem.
• Purpose refers to the reason why an author writes.
• Poetry is a literary genre that expresses emotions and ideas, often using rhyme and rhythm.
• Delivery is how a poem is performed (spoken, sung, etc.).
• Length describes how long or short a literary work is.

Types of Poetry

Lyric Poetry

• Written in first person and expresses personal emotions or thoughts.
• Usually short, focused on a single emotion, moment, or idea.
• Delivered with musicality, often accompanied by music or rhythm.
• Purpose is self-expression and sharing personal feelings.
• Examples include sonnets, odes, and elegies (e.g., Shakespeare's sonnets).
• Kundiman is a Filipino example, expressing deep emotion in a lyrical form.

Dramatic Poetry

• Uses character-driven point of view, often with dialogue or monologue.
• Typically long and elaborate to allow for character and plot development.
• Delivered through recitation, spoken word, chanting, or singing.
• Purpose is to tell a story through the voices and feelings of characters.
• Types include soliloquy, dramatic monologue, character sketch, and dialogue.
• Example: "Huling Paalam" by Dr. Jose Rizal.

Narrative Poetry

• Tells a story with a plot, characters, setting, conflict, and theme.
• Point of view may be first person, third person, or through character speech.
• Long and detailed to develop story elements.
• Delivered by reciting, speaking, chanting, or singing.
• Purpose is to narrate events in poetic form.
• Types include epics, ballads, and romances.
• Example: "Biag ni Lam-ang" from the Ilocos region.

Author's Purpose in Poetry

• Persuasion—aims to change the reader’s opinion.
• Narration—shares a story or personal experience.
• Entertainment—amuses or makes the reader laugh.
• Informing—provides factual information.
• Instruction/Reflection—teaches or provokes deeper thought.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Point of view — the narrative perspective of the speaker in the poem.
• Purpose — the author's reason for writing the poem.
• Delivery — the method by which a poem is performed.
• Lyric Poetry — poetry focusing on personal emotions, typically short and musical.
• Dramatic Poetry — poetry that presents character interactions or a scene, meant for performance.
• Narrative Poetry — poetry telling a story with plot and characters.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Listen to "The Apple Song" by Black Eyed Peas for activity analysis.
• Review examples of each poetry type (lyric, dramatic, narrative).
• Reflect on how to identify author’s purpose in different poems.