Beginnings of the Modern Age: Poetry 1910-1930

1. Beginnings of the Modern Age:Poetry1910-1930

2. Imagism A movement among early 20th century poets who presented a concrete, tangible image that appeared frozen in time. The Imagist method is similar to photography. Imagist poetry explores the effect of the image on an observer at a precise moment.

3. Principles of Imagist Poetry: • The image is the essence, the raw material, of poetry. • Poetry should be expressed in brief, clear, concrete language • that forms precise images. • These images should instantly convey to the reader the poem’s • meaning and emotion. • The language of these poetic images should sound like simple • speech—not be made up of predictable rhythms and rhymes • but of freer, more modern verse forms. • Topics for poems need not be high-minded or “poetic.” No topic • is unsuitable for a poem.

4. Amy Lowell 1874-1925 • one of the most important poets of the Imagist • movement • born in Brookline, Massachusetts • family was wealthy and socially prominent • helped launch Robert Frost’s career with a favorable • review of his poems • published many volumes of poetry • was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for a volume of poetry, • What’s O’Clock, that appeared after her death

5. “Summer Rain” by Amy Lowell – page 674 • simile – a comparison using like or as • onomatopoeia – a word the imitates or suggests the • sound of what it describes • personification – giving human characteristics to • inanimate objects • metaphor – a comparison without using like or as • tone – the author’s attitude toward his or her subject • matter or the audience

6. Literary Element – Line Numbers – Explanation 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

7. What is the relationship between the two people in the poem?

8. Notice her use of colors. What are the colors mentioned in this poem? 1. 2. 3. 4.

9. “Fireworks” by Amy Lowell – page 675 • couplet – two consecutive, paired lines of rhymed • verse usually forming a stanza • quatrain – a stanza of four lines

10. Literary Element – Line Numbers – Explanation 1. 2. 3. 4.

11. In what way does the content of the couplets differ from that in the quatrains?

12. List all of the colors mentioned. 1. 12. 2. 13. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

13. Do the fireworks symbolize love or hatred? Justify your thoughts.