Poetry+Unit

Poetry WebQuest There are as many definitions of poetry as there are poets. Wordsworth defined poetry as "the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings;" Emily Dickinson said, "If I read a book and it makes my body so cold no fire ever can warm me, I know that is poetry;" and Dylan Thomas defined poetry this way: "Poetry is what makes me laugh or cry or yawn, what makes my toenails twinkle, what makes me want to do this or that or nothing."

Poetry is a lot of things to a lot of people. Homer's epic,The Oddysey, described the wanderings of the adventurer, Odysseus, and has been called the greatest story ever told. During the English Renaissance, dramatic poets like John Milton, Christopher Marlowe, and of course Shakespeare gave us enough to fill textbooks, lecture halls, and universities. Poems from the romantic period include Goethe's Faust (1808), Coleridge's "Kubla Khan" and John Keats' "Ode on a Grecian Urn."

So what is poetry?

Poetry is a creative form of expression which people have used for centuries. Poetry is not limited to rhyme but includes a variety of different forms. Learning about the types of poetry can be exciting for all of us. Today and for the days to come you will embark on a poetic journey whereby you will not only learn about poetry but will become a poet as well writing and publishing your poetic work.

Do you like poetry? Before you answer, think of the words of your favorite song, the words you remember from the books you have read and enjoyed, a famous quote from a person you admire, the way you feel when you visit your secret place, what you feel when you look at a photo of someone or some place you love, or the smell of a special meal. Are these things poetry? Yes!! Well, they can be! The first thing to remember about poetry is that it is all around you. Your favorite musical celebrities probably consider themselves poets! Poetry helps us express our thoughts, feelings, and ideas as we relate to the world around us. As we read the poetry of others, we understand who they are, what they think, and what we might have in common. Poetry is the "Great Communicator!" It can "talk to our heads and our hearts". Poetry can be funny, sad, long, short, rhymed, or unrhymed. We call this the purpose, mood, and form of the poem. Poetry can be based on fantasy, your real life or any important event. This is called the theme of poetry. You will use purpose, form, mood, and theme in the activities the next few weeks.