Poetry
AABB
ABAB
AAAB
Rhyme Scheme
giving person like qualities to something not alive
ex: the flowers danced in the wind
What is theme?
The message or lesson about life that the characters learn
What is it called when words at the ends of lines have the same sound?
Rhyme
What do we call a phrase that doesn’t mean exactly what it says, like “It’s raining cats and dogs”?
Idiom
Why does Hughes repeat the line “I’ve known rivers” at both the beginning and end of the poem?
emphasize the lasting connection between the speaker and history
DAILY DOUBLE
give an example of a simile and and example of a metaphor (they have to be comparing the same thing)
Simile:
A student’s mind is like a sponge, soaking up new ideas.
Metaphor:
A student’s mind is a sponge, absorbing every lesson.
DAILY DOUBLE
How is theme different from the topic?
Topic is what it’s about; theme is what is learned or the message
Repeating a word or phrase in a poem is called what?
Repetition.
Explain the meaning of this idiom: “Break the ice.”
It means to do or say something to start a conversation or make people feel more comfortable.
What is a stanza?
what is a line?
stanza: A group of lines in a poem
lines: words put together in a poem creating almost a sentence
DAILY DOUBLE
Why do poets use figurative language instead of literal language?
To create deeper meaning and stronger images
Which detail is most helpful for identifying a poem’s theme?
Repeated ideas or messages
Using the same consonant sound at the beginning of words is called what?
Alliteration
Rewrite this literal sentence as an idiom: “I am extremely angry after that argument.”
“I was seeing red.” (Meaning: very angry)
What does tone describe in a poem?
The poet’s attitude toward the subject
Create a 4 line poem using the abab rhyme scheme
answers will vary
The sun peeks out to start the day (A)
It warms the grass and lights the street (B)
The clouds above begin to play (A)
As morning hums a gentle beat (B)
What is the theme?
The path was steep, the night was long,
My legs were tired, my breath was thin.
I stopped, I shook, but still moved on,
Because the climb is how you win.
The poem shows that success comes from continuing to work hard, even when it feels difficult.
The poet suggests that facing challenges and not giving up helps you achieve your goals.
The poem teaches that perseverance through obstacles leads to personal growth.
How do sound devices like rhyme, repetition, and alliteration affect the mood or meaning of a poem?
They make the poem more musical, emphasize important ideas, and enhance emotion
DAILY DOBULE
Choose one of these situations and say which idiom fits best: “Feeling nervous before a big test” / “Trying to calm someone down” / “Making a big mistake at work.” Explain your choice.
“Butterflies in my stomach” fits for feeling nervous before a test because it describes anxiety in a figurative way.
What does imagery help the reader do?
Create pictures in their mind appealing to the senses
Why is poetry often meant to be interpreted rather than understood in only one way?
Because poets use figurative language and symbolism that allow multiple meanings
theme?
A candle flickers in a stormy room,
Shadows dance where light once lay.
Even when the wind threatens to consume,
It holds its glow and keeps the dark at bay.
The poem suggests that hope can survive even in difficult and threatening circumstances.
It shows that even small acts of courage or resilience can push back against overwhelming challenges.
The poet conveys that holding onto light—whether hope, courage, or determination—helps overcome darkness in life.
In poetry, how does onomatopoeia help create imagery and affect the reader’s experience?
Give an example in your answer.
Onomatopoeia allows readers to “hear” the sounds described, making the scene more vivid and engaging.
For example, the words “crash” or “whisper” help readers imagine the actual sounds while reading.
Identify the idiom in this sentence and explain its meaning:
"I told him not to cry over spilled milk, because there was nothing we could do to fix it."
“Cry over spilled milk” – meaning don’t be upset about something that cannot be changed.