WHAT MAKES A POEM – CONTENT AND DEVICES

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Introduction

Poetry, as a form of literary art, is characterized by its use of language to evoke emotions, convey messages, and create aesthetic experiences. Understanding what makes a poem involves exploring its content, which includes themes and subject matter, as well as the devices used by the poet to craft the poem, such as sound, rhythm, rhyme, and diction.

Theme

The theme of a poem is its underlying message or central idea. It is what the poem is about at its core, and it often reflects universal truths or explores timeless human experiences.

Example: In Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken," the theme revolves around the idea of choice and the consequences of the choices we make in life.

Subject Matter

The subject matter of a poem refers to the specific content or topic that the poem addresses. It can range from personal experiences to broader social issues, depending on the poet's intent.

Example: Maya Angelou's poem "Still I Rise" addresses the theme of resilience in the face of oppression, with the subject matter focusing on overcoming adversity and discrimination.

What Makes A Poem

Several key elements contribute to what makes a poem unique compared to other forms of literature. These elements include sound, rhythm, rhyme, and diction.

Sound

Sound refers to the musical quality of language in a poem. It includes elements such as alliteration, consonance, and assonance, which create patterns of sound that enhance the poem's auditory appeal.

Example: In Edgar Allan Poe's poem "The Bells," the repetition of the word "bells" creates a musical effect that mimics the sound of ringing bells, adding to the poem's auditory experience.

Rhythm

Rhythm is the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a poem. It creates a sense of flow and movement, guiding the reader through the poem's structure.

Example: The iambic pentameter, commonly used in Shakespearean sonnets, is a rhythmic pattern consisting of five pairs of unstressed and stressed syllables per line, creating a smooth and flowing rhythm.

Rhyme

Rhyme is the repetition of similar sounds at the ends of words, typically at the end of lines in a poem. It adds a musical quality to the poem and can create a sense of unity and closure.

Example: In Emily Dickinson's poem "Hope is the thing with feathers," the rhyme scheme ABAB creates a sense of harmony and completion in each stanza.

Diction

Diction refers to the poet's choice of words and how they are used to convey meaning and create imagery in the poem. It plays a crucial role in setting the tone and mood of the poem.

Example: In Langston Hughes' poem "Dreams," the simple yet powerful diction, such as "Hold fast to dreams," conveys the poem's message of perseverance and hope.

Conclusion

In conclusion, what makes a poem lies in its content and the devices used by the poet to convey that content. By exploring themes, subject matter, sound, rhythm, rhyme, and diction, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into creating a poem.