LYRIC POEMS Lyric Poems Lyric poems are usually

LYRIC POEMS

Lyric Poems Lyric poems are usually, but not always, short. They express a speaker’s personal thoughts or feelings. The elegy, ode, and sonnet are all lyrics.

The Elegy The elegy began as an ancient Greek form and is traditionally written in response to the death of a person or group. Although the epitaph, ode, and eulogy also deal with theme of death, they are specifically different from the elegy. � The epitaph is very brief. � The ode solely exalts (praises). � The eulogy is most often written in formal prose.

The Elegy The elements of a traditional elegy mirror three stages of loss: 1) a lament, where the speaker expresses grief and sorrow � 2) then, praise and admiration of the idealized dead; and finally, � 3) consolation and solace. �

Mid-term Break – Seamus Heaney Read and discuss What do you notice?

The Sonnet From the Italian word sonetto, which means “a little sound or song, ” the sonnet is a popular classical form that has compelled poets for centuries. Traditionally a sonnet had � 14 lines � Was written in iambic pentameter � Followed a strict rhyme scheme Two sonnet forms provide the models from which all other sonnets are formed: � the Petrarchan � the Shakespearean

The Petrarchan Sonnet The Petrarchan sonnet is also called the Italian sonnet. It is named after the Italian poet, Petrarch, who wrote many sonnets for his love, Laura. The Petrarchan sonnet is divided into two stanzas, the octave (the first eight lines) and the sestet (the last six lines).

The Petrarchan Sonnet The octave presents an argument, observation, or question. The sestet provides a counterargument, clarification, or a response. The rhyme scheme is typically abba, cdecde or cdcdcd.

The Shakespearean Sonnet The Shakespearean sonnet is also known as an English sonnet or an Elizabethan sonnet. It is divided into three quatrains and one couplet.

Shakespearean Sonnet Each quatrain presents a different perspective or issue of a specific topic. The couplet then acts as a conclusion, amplification, refutation, or twist to the previous three quatrains. The rhyme scheme is abab, cdcd, efef, gg.

Sonnet 18 – William Shakespeare Read and discuss. What do you notice?

The Ode The word “ode” comes from a Greek word that means to sing or chant. Odes were originally accompanied by music and dance. Later, they became a way for poets to convey their strongest sentiments.

Odes are generally used as a formal address to praise an event, a person, or a thing not present.

The Ode There are three typical types of odes: the Pindaric, Horatian, and Irregular. Pindaric odes are often composed to celebrate athletic victories. The Horatian ode is generally more tranquil and contemplative. � It is less formal, less ceremonious, and better suited to quiet reading. The Irregular ode has employed all manner of formal possibilities, while often retaining the tone and thematic elements of the classical ode.

Ode to a Computer Mouse Read and discuss. What did you notice?

Remember Elegies, sonnets and odes are all examples of lyric poems!