Poetic Forms (Part 2)

Task: Poetic Forms

For some poems, the subject matter determines the form. Poets use generic structures to create certain effects in their verse. But take a look at the following two poems, both about fish:

“Sturgeon” by Karen Solie

“Fisherman’s Song” by Geoffrey Cook

The two poems both have fishing as their subjects, but their forms are quite different.

“Fisherman’s Song” includes end rhymes, a set metrical pattern, and repetition to unify the poem. The poem’s form reads like a spell, bidding the trout to come out of the stream.

“Sturgeon” uses a more open, free verse form, with no set line lengths or metrical pattern. But the poem does use some rhyme and alliteration.

Instructions

Choose two different modes of poetic expression, each of which demonstrates very different uses of poetic form.

The following is a list of different poetic formats from which you may possibly choose:

• concrete poetry

• free verse

• sonnet

• blank verse

• prose poem

• lyrical poem

• ballad

• haiku

• ode

• soliloquy

In a comparison chart, explain the similarities and differences between each of your selected modes.

Then, in paragraph form, describe which you feel is the more effective of the two, and why.

Assessment

Your paragraph composition will be evaluated using the Paragraph Scoring Guide.

Submission

Click on the ASSIGNMENT: Poetic Forms link to upload your assignment.