Overview
This lecture explains the structure of poetry, focusing on the role of words as the basic building blocks and how they combine to form larger poetic units.
Structure of Poetry
- Words are the fundamental units of meaning in poetry.
- Multiple words combine to form a line, similar to a sentence in prose.
- Several lines together create a stanza or verse, analogous to a paragraph in prose.
- Multiple stanzas make up a complete poem.
- A group of poems that can stand alone but are connected is called a poem cycle.
The Importance of Words
- Poets use words to convey their ideas to readers.
- Words are essential for expressing meaning and creativity in poetry.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Word — The smallest unit of meaning in poetry.
- Line — A group of words in poetry, similar to a sentence in prose.
- Stanza/Verse — A group of lines, similar to a paragraph in prose.
- Poem — A complete work made of stanzas.
- Poem Cycle — A collection of connected poems that may also stand independently.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review examples of poems and identify words, lines, stanzas, and poem cycles.