What is Poem?

New Format : LITERATURE COMPONENT POEM

A poem is the expression of thoughts, emotions, opinions or feelings by the writer who is known as the poet.

A poem consists of short lines or verses. A stanza refers to a group of four or more rhyming lines.

A poem has a particular theme and tries to convey messages to the readers.

Elements of a Poetry

What is the poem about? Consists of:

(i) Literal meaning - the original meaning of the word

(ii) Figurative meaning - the symbolic meaning

(iii) Theme

(iv) The idea/ideas that the poet is trying to convey. It could be about the environment, social problems, politics, moral values, virtues, etc.

Mood
(v) The feeling expressed by the poet. - Is the poet sad, angry, happy or frustrated?

(vi)Tone
The way the poet expresses himself shows his attitude. The poet may have a positive or negative attitude.

(vii)Point of View
The poet’s point of view usually varies from stanza to stanza. Sometimes it is personal and sometimes it is impersonal. Personal views are usually denoted by the pronoun I, whereas impersonal views are denoted by the pronoun we, he, they,etc.

(viii)Personal response
The reader’s feelings about the poem. Does the reader like the poem? Does the poem remind the reader of similar experiences in his or her life?

(ix)Techniques and Devices -Refers to the craft used by the poet to make his poem appealing to the readers.

(x)Language -Simple, direct, easy to understand or complex.

Imagery

Metaphors or similes incorporated by the poet in order to paint a mental picture in the reader’s mind by the use of certain significant words.
Repetition

The frequent mention of an idea or words for emphasis.

Sound device

(i) Rhyme - Words that have the same sound, e.g. made and glade, slow and glow, etc.

(ii) Rhythm -A regular beat of rising and falling syllables. Rhythm gives a musical note to a poem.