Intro to Poetry

1. Intro to Poetry • March 26 • Objective: Students will be able to write a poem using at least two of the following forms of figurative language: idiom, personification, simile, metaphor, hyperbole, alliteration, euphemism, imagery

2. Warm-up • What is figurative language? Why is it important in poetry? • A word or phrase that departs from the literal meaning in order to compare/contrast, clarify, or emphasize. Poetry IS figurative language • What is the difference between figurative language and literal language? • Literal meaning is not meant to be analyzed for deeper meaning, figurative language is. • Why is word choice important to poets? • Poets use very few words, so the words must be exact and powerful in their meaning.

3. 4 Word Activity • You have 8 minutes to complete this activity • With your partners, • create a 4 line poem • each line must contain one of the words • each line must be longer than 3 words

4. Alliteration • Repetition of the same sound at the beginning of words • Sally sold seashells by the sea shore. • Elmer Elwood eluded eleven elderly elephants.

5. Euphemism • a mild or indirect word or expression used in place of one that is too harsh or unpleasant. • comes from blaspheme or “evil-speaking” • We had to put the dog to sleep. • In war, there is always collateral damage.

6. Hyperbole • An exaggeration used to create emphasis. • I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.

7. Idiom • A group of words whose meaning cannot be predicted from the meaning of the words -- this is influenced by culture, demographics, and regions. • Cat got your tongue? = at a loss for words • Break a leg? = good luck

8. Imagery • The use of language to create a mental picture in one’s mind. • The wind whipped through my hair tangling and intertwining each strand into a tiny knot.

9. Personification • giving human characteristics to nonhuman objects. • Time creeps up on you when you least expect it. • The stars winked in the night sky.

10. Similes and Metaphors • A comparison being made between two objects that are not alike.... • simile uses like or as • metaphor does not • Example: • I was as fast as a cheetah on the field. • I am a cheetah on the field.

11. Warm-up • _c_ 1. Metaphor • _d_ 2. Simile • _a_ 3. Euphemism • _b_ 4. Alliteration • _e_ 5. Idiom

12. Homework Practice • 1. simile • 2. idiom, personification, euphemism • 3. imagery, personification • 4. hyperbole, alliteration • 5. euphemism • 6. metaphor • 7. idiom, alliteration • 8. alliteration, imagery

13. Poem Rewrite • Look at your original poem to complete the following questions. • 1. Did your poem contain figurative language? What kind? • 2. Rewrite your poem below. Include at least 2 new forms of figurative language. • 3. Which forms did you use?

14. BrainPop Video • http://www.brainpop.com/english/writing/moodandtone/ • Use the brainpop video and prior knowledge, fill in the definitions in the chart for definitions.

15. Tone/Mood Notes • Tone = how the author feels about their topic; helps to convey the way the reader should feel • Mood = the general atmosphere created by the author which creates a feeling in the reader • Setting = context and environment in which literature or poetry in set in. • Diction = the author’s choice in words • Syntax = the specific sentence structure used

16. Homework • Answer the 3 Questions below the TONE/MOOD Notes Chart

17. Warm-up • 1. The tone is peaceful and considerate because the snow says it will fall silently to allow the person to sleep. • 2. Personification is used because the snow cannot whisper. Alliteration- whispers, willing, words • 3. The diction that the author uses makes it sound as if the reader should speak the words softly.

18. Homework Check • 1. c • 2. The tone is angry from the use of an exclamation mark and the dash is to create emphasis. • 3. Frustration from the speaker tag “moaned” paired with “yet another goal” word choice.

19. “Stop this train” by John Mayer • Read the 3 questions at the bottom of the page. • Then listen to the song. • Answer the questions as you hear the song.

20. Now you try... • With a partner: • Read the lyrics to Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida” • Annotate for figurative language • Answer the Questions on the back of the song

21. Essential Questions • How does society impact our hopes and dreams? • To what extent are we responsible for our own actions? • How do societal forces impact group dynamics? • Are we governed by fate or free will?