fandomhigh | Creative Writing: Poetry, Lesson One

Wednesday, October 26, 7:00PM FST

Welcome to your poetry writing class. Find a place to sit where you're comfortable, although I'll ask that you keep toward the front of the room.

We'll begin with introductions: tell everyone your name and why you signed up for the class.

[Following introductions, the class is treated to a brief lecture.] Let's first talk a little about how poetry is defined.

The word poetry is derived from the Greek word 'poeio', meaning "I create". It is a written art form in which language is used for its aesthetic qualities in addition to -- or sometimes instead of -- its semantic content. The emphasis on the aesthetics of language and the deliberate use of elements such as repetition, meter and rhyme, distinguish poetry from prose. Poetry is generally considered its own literary genre, but it can also occur within other genres. Plays, for example may be prosaic, poetic or a combination of the two.

In order to write poetry, you'll need to have an understanding of the various elements used in verse. We'll begin today with three of the most basic: rhyme, meter, and figures of speech.

Rhyme is the repetition of identical or similar sounds in two or more different words.

Meter refers to the linguistic sound patterns of verse.

Figures of speech: There are numerous examples of this element, but let's begin with the most common.

Personification occurs when an object, animal or abstract term is given human qualities.
Apostrophe is a manner of addressing someone or something that is invisible or not ordinarily spoken to.
Hyperbole, often referred to as 'overstatement', is the use of exaggeration for effect. Its opposite, understatement, occurs when more is implied than is stated.
Metonymy is the substitution of the name of a thing with that of an object or concept that is closely related. A form of metonymy is Synecdoche, where a part of a thing is used to stand in for the whole, or vice versa. Transferred epithet, another form of metonymy, applies the attributes characteristic of a thing to another which is closely related.
Paradox refers to a situation which at first appears to be self-contradictory but on reflection makes some sense.

Now: I'd like each of you to choose one of the elements I just defined -- including the various types of figures of speech -- and give me an example.

[Following the lecture]

All right, enough discussion of the technicalities. Let's share some poetry. Please read the piece you brought to class, and then tell use why you chose it.

***Assignment for next week: Begin reading Petrarch's Canzoniere (yes, there are 366 poems, no you don't have to read them all). Also, please leave me a message on my voicemail if you're interested in applying for the position of Teaching Assistant. I'll be interviewing applicants over the next fortnight.***

((Kindly use the threads provided for your comments!))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Comment here to make your introductions.]

"Hi, My name is Kiki. I enjoy poetry quite a lot - reading it, anyway, and I thought this class might help me write it better."

Good to see you, Kiki. I'm glad you were able to sign up. I can't promise you that the class will make you a better writer, but I can certainly offer that it will help you better understand how to write.

"Uh, hi. I'm Edward. I like poetry because...it's pretty?" Ed says, and blushes.

Welcome, Edward. [smiles] That's a perfectly acceptable reason to enjoy poetry, and one that every poet would be complimented by.

"Um, hi Geoff - I mean, Professor Chaucer," Rory says, grinning. "Do I have to introduce myself? Because I'm pretty sure I know everyone here."

Hello, Rory. [grins] How about you just tell us why you signed up for this class?

"Because I love poetry, but I'm terrible at writing it," she confesses.

"I'm Paige and I'm taking this class because I've recently developed an interest in poetry and would like to learn how to write it better myself.and because spells have to rhyme and I figured it'd be handy for that"

She looks over at Edward and smiles slightly I'm so glad he's here with me

Welcome, Paige. I hope you find that the class meets your expectations.

Re: INTRODUCTIONS

the4thsister.livejournal.com - 2005-10-26 18:58 (UTC) - Expand

Ed smiles back, thinking she's brave for coming to class despite all the things going on between her and Chaucer.

the4thsister.livejournal.com - 2005-10-26 19:04 (UTC) - Expand

scissors--.livejournal.com - 2005-10-26 19:23 (UTC) - Expand

"Hi, my name is Angela. I took this class because I really enjoy writing, and I guess I hope this class will make me a better writer."

Angela is a little embarassed by the naked sincerity in her voice.

It's good to see you, Angela. And what better reason is there to take a writing class than the hope that it will make you a better writer? [smiles]

*DEATH takes a seat next to Angela, recognizing someone. He hands her a button off his robe that says, "TATTERED RAGS ARE SEXY!"*

chasingangela - 2005-10-27 01:49 (UTC) - Expand

death-n-binky.livejournal.com - 2005-10-27 01:53 (UTC) - Expand

chasingangela - 2005-10-27 01:56 (UTC) - Expand

death-n-binky.livejournal.com - 2005-10-27 02:10 (UTC) - Expand

"Hi, I'm Lisa Cuddy, and I'm here.. to expand my horizons."

It's a pleasure to meet you, Lisa. And as I think most of the classes offered at this school would meet that criteria, I'm flattered that you decided to choose this one.

"Hi! I'm Chihaya and I'm in poetry because I think it's very pretty and it's soothing too, for when your nerves are all jangled and everything." Looking around, Chihaya sits down again.

Hello, Chihaya. We'll see if we can't shake up some of your ideas about poetry while your here. [Grins]

I'm Hamlet. I have been looking for a class that will permit me to write, and as it seems as though the last teacher was eaten by Locker 327, this seemed adequate for the purpose.

[Raises an eyebrow] Pleased to meet you, Hamlet. I'll see what I can do about making this an above-adequate experience for you.

Paige waves to Hamlet as he walks in open relationship she tells herself

*For those that can see him, DEATH stands up dressed in what appears to be purple polka-dotted and black robes. The front of his robes are covered in campaign buttons from any and every political campaign imaginable, many disagreeing with each other. A sign hangs off of his scythe which reads, "ZOMBIES ARE PEOPLE TOO!" For those that can't see, there is a feeling of dread around him and those too close have the feeling that, maybe, they should back up a few feet. There is also a small kitten, with a festive haloween collar, rubbing against his metatarsals. The kitten can be seen by all.*

[Realizing after a moment that the voice is not coming from the kitten, Geoff gives a look in the general direction of where DEATH might be sitting.] Welcome to class...DEATH. Poetry is an excellent way of finding self-expression. I hope you'll find the class rewarding.

death-n-binky.livejournal.com - 2005-10-27 02:12 (UTC) - Expand

I'm Lee Adama. I've been writing poetry since I was eleven and I'd like to learn new styles so that my poetry could improve and become something actually worth reading.

A worthy goal for all writers, Lee. Welcome to class.