The Language of Poetry
Directions: Follow each step and answer each question ON YOUR OWN PAPER
using the information in your textbook on pages 740-747. Complete the
definition hand-out using the definitions from these pages as well.
Read the first paragraph on the top of page 740.
READ
STOP &
Answer
READ
Read Part 1: Form page 740
STOP &
Answer
READ
2. List the major differences between traditional and organic
poetry.
Read Model 1: Traditional Form and the poem “Pretty Words” page 741
STOP &
Answer
3. How many lines make up the first stanza?
4. In both stanzas the poet uses similes and metaphors to compare
words to what?
Read Model 2: Organic Form and the poem “Beware…” page741
READ
STOP &
Answer
READ
1. Describe your experiences or memories with poetry. Do you
remember any favorite poems from childhood?
5. Identify the three characteristics that make this poem
unconventional.
Read Part 2: Poetic Elements page 742 and the Model 1: Meter as well
as Model 2; Other Sound Devices
STOP &
Answer
6. Have you ever studied rhyme or rhythm in a poem before? Use
the information on these two pages to write the definitions on
your poetry terms hand-out.
READ
STOP &
Answer
Read Imagery and Figurative language page 744. Use the information to
write the definitions listed on your poetry terms hand-out. Read Model 3;
Imagery and Figurative Language and the poem “Miss Rosie” on page 745.
7. Locate the comparisons on line 2, 10 and 13. Identify what is
being compared. Describe in two to three sentences what visual
picture this gives you of Miss Rosie.
8. List the hyperbole in this poem.
9. Reread the boxed lines. What is the speaker’s attitude toward
Miss Rosie?
Read Part 3; Analyze the Literature and the poem “Not in a Silver Casket…”
page 746. **DON’T forget to read the footnotes to understand certain
words.
READ
STOP &
Answer
10. Re-read this poem a few times. The poet says in line 9 that she is
giving her love “in the open hand…ungemmed, unhidden, wishing
not to hurt”. What do you think of when you think of an open
hand or something that is not hidden?
Read the poem on page 747 “I Am Offering This Poem”
11. Which lines are an example of repetition, alliteration, and
consonance?
12. Identify the four similes and metaphors in lines 1-12.
13. Which of the two love poems do you prefer and why?