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Poetry Elements and Devices

Jun 14, 2025

Overview

This lecture covers writing short poems by applying creative elements, various literary devices, and innovative techniques, with a focus on uncommon figures of speech.

Elements of Poetry Review

  • Poetry uses language to express feelings and emotions through specific elements and devices.
  • Key sound elements include rhyme, rhyme scheme (e.g., AABB, ABAB), alliteration, consonance, and assonance.
  • Directly written poems are simpler; detailed, colorful poems use vivid imagery and more devices.

Comparing Poems and Images

  • Lively, colorful images/poems often have more detail and use figurative language.
  • Simple images/poems are more straightforward and lack vivid description.

Figures of Speech (Uncommon)

  • Hyperbole: Exaggeration for dramatic effect (e.g., "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse").
  • Irony: Statement with opposite meaning of what's said (e.g., "You will surely finish with highest honors" to failing students).
  • Antithesis: Juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in a balanced manner (e.g., "Many are called but few are chosen").
  • Anaphora: Repetition of a word or phrase at beginnings (e.g., "I'm awake. I'm strong. I'm ready.").
  • Apostrophe: Direct address to an absent person or non-human entity (e.g., "Death, be not proud").
  • Euphemism: Mild substitution for harsh expressions (e.g., "lay off" instead of "fire").
  • Onomatopoeia: Words that imitate natural sounds (e.g., "buzzing," "splish splash").
  • Oxymoron: Contradictory terms combined (e.g., "original copies," "alone together").

Practice and Application

  • Identifying the correct figure of speech is essential for enhancing poem quality.
  • Practice activities focused on recognizing hyperbole, onomatopoeia, oxymoron, and anaphora.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Hyperbole — Exaggeration for emphasis or effect.
  • Irony — Expresses the opposite of literal meaning.
  • Antithesis — Contrasting ideas in balanced phrases.
  • Anaphora — Repetition at the start of sentences or lines.
  • Apostrophe — Direct address to someone absent or non-human.
  • Euphemism — Mild expression replacing harsh ones.
  • Onomatopoeia — Words that mimic sounds.
  • Oxymoron — Combined contradictory terms.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Write a four-line poem using figurative language; post with a picture and hashtag #itslikecreativewriting.
  • Participate in next week's session for a chance to be featured.
  • Message the instructor for clarifications or questions.