Content introduction Chapter I

Elements of Poetry
Sonnet
Sonnets are predominantly concerned with matters of the heart. If you see a sonnet’s recognisably blocky form on a page, there’s a good chance the theme will be love. There are two common forms of sonnet: Shakespearean and Petrarchan. They differ slightly in their internal structure, but both have 14 lines. Let’s take look at some more of the internal characteristics of both forms:
Petrarchan
● Comprises 2 stanzas
● The First 8 lines pose a question
● 2nd stanza answers the question posed
● The rhyme scheme is: ABBA, ABBA, CDECDE
Shakespearean
● Comprises 3 quatrains of 4 lines each
● Ends with a rhyming couplet which forms a conclusion
● The rhyme scheme is: ABAB, CDCD, EFEF, GG
Haiku
Haiku is a disciplined form of poetry that has its origins in 17th-century Japanese poetry. Usually, it is concerned with nature and natural phenomena such as the seasons, weather etc. They are often quite meditative in tone.
However, there are no real rules regarding themes, the only real demands here relate to structure:
● They are written in three-line stanzas
● 1st line contains 5 syllables
● 2nd line contains 7 syllables
● 3rd line contains 5 syllables
Due to their short length and limited requirements, these are usually a lot of fun for students to write. They can serve as a great introduction for students to attempt to write poetry according to specific technical requirements of a form.

Elegy
Elegies are a type of poem that don’t really come with specific structural requirements but still constitute a recognisable form of poetry. What makes an elegy an elegy is its subject, that is, death. Elegies are poems of lamentation – the word elegy itself comes from the Greek word elegeia which means to ‘lament’.

● A poem of reflection on death, or on someone who has died
● Usually comes in three parts expressing loss:
○ grief
○ praise for the deceased
○ and, finally, consolation.
Limerick
Favorites of school children everywhere, the most defining characteristic of limericks are their renowned humor. Given their well-deserved reputation for being funny and, on occasion, crude, it’s easy to overlook the fact that beneath the laughs lie quite a tightly structured verse form.
● 5 lines in total
● Distinct verbal rhythm
● 2 longer lines of usually between 7 to 10 syllables
● 2 shorter lines of usually between 5 to 7 syllables
● 1 closing line containing the ‘punchline’
● Rhyme scheme is AABBA
Ballad
Ballads are a type of narrative poetry that has close ties to musical forms. Ballads written as poetry can often easily be adapted as song lyrics. While ballads don’t have tight formal constrictions like some other forms of poetry, there are enough in the way of distinguishable features to identify it as a form.
● Tells a story, often using simple language
● Often romantic, adventurous, or humorous
● Arranged in groups of 4 lines or quatrains
● Often uses alternating 4 and 3 beat lines
● Rhyme scheme is usually ABAB or ABCB
Ode
Another poetry form that traces its origins to Ancient Greece, odes were originally intended to be sung. Nowadays, though no longer sung, the term ode still refers to a type of lyrical poem that addresses and often praises a certain person, thing, or event.
● The author addresses a person, thing, or event
● Usually has a solemn, serious tone
● Explores universal elements of the theme
● Powerful emotional element, often involving catharsis
Odes written in the classical vein can follow very strict metrical patterns and rhyme schemes, however, many modern odes are written in free verse involving irregular rhythm and without adherence to a rhyme scheme.
Epic
These are long narrative poems that recount heroic tales, usually focused on a legendary or mythical figure. Think of works of literature on a grand scale such as The Odyssey, The Cattle Raid of Cooley, or Beowulf.