Today we experimented with three different kinds of poems. These were just exercises to get you writing in preparation for creating your anthology. If you already know your theme, you may want to keep it in mind as you write. These were on handouts that would go on your right hand page, and your corresponding poems you create go on your left hand side.
Allusion / Dramatic Monologue
Choose a character from a mythological, fictional or biblical story and write a poem from their perspective.
Think about HOW this character would write and about which topic he or she would choose to write.
Try to step into their life and tell their story.
This type of poem gives you the opportunity to use a persona in your writing, as you write from a character’s point of view, which is different from your own.
Think about a favourite book, play, movie, short story, folktale, etc…there are a lot of great characters out there to choose!
Character: “You Bring Out the……In Me”
In this type of poem, you can explore character type using associated traits, habits and physical features.
Think about someone in your life that brings out a particular part of your personality, and what that part of your personality is.
Complete the sentence: “You Bring Out the __________ In Me” as the title for your poem, and explore what that quality is that they bring out in you in your poem.
(Ask me for an example on Monday if this one is not clear)
Memoir
Tell the reader the story of your life in 20 lines or less.
Use third person to tell your story (refer to yourself by name, he/she).
Think of particular moments in your life, the kind of life you have lead so far, and/or the significant things that stand out for you.
It may be difficult to condense your life into just 20 lines or less, but remember this is a process! Give it a try and see what comes out.
William Shakespeare
Shakespeare's Birthday April 23rd