What is Narrative Poetry?
A poem that tells a story. All narrative poems have a plot, characters, and a purpose. They can be funny, serious, or sad.
When learning about Poetry there are several important things to keep in mind:
- There is no BEST form for poetry, it all depends on your PURPOSE.
- There is no overall RIGHT way to write poetry it depends on the FORM you choose.
- Poetry is language set to a RHYTHM.
- Any poem can mean anything as long as you can SUPPORT your ANALYSIS.
- Poems do not have to hold a deep meaning, they can be for FUN.
Let's get to the basics. There are three main types of poems meaning three main purposes that poems are trying to accomplish.
1. Lyric Poetry: It is any poem with one speaker (not necessarily the poet) who expresses strong thoughts and feelings. Most poems, especially modern ones, are lyric poems.
2. Narrative Poem: It is a poem that tells a story; its structure resembles the plot line of a story [i.e. the introduction of conflict and characters, rising action, climax and the denouement].
3. Descriptive Poem: It is a poem that describes the world that surrounds the speaker. It uses elaborate imagery and adjectives. While emotional, it is more "outward-focused" than lyric poetry, which is more personal and introspective.
This year we are focusing on understanding and writing Narrative Poetry
1. Lyric Poetry: It is any poem with one speaker (not necessarily the poet) who expresses strong thoughts and feelings. Most poems, especially modern ones, are lyric poems.
2. Narrative Poem: It is a poem that tells a story; its structure resembles the plot line of a story [i.e. the introduction of conflict and characters, rising action, climax and the denouement].
3. Descriptive Poem: It is a poem that describes the world that surrounds the speaker. It uses elaborate imagery and adjectives. While emotional, it is more "outward-focused" than lyric poetry, which is more personal and introspective.
This year we are focusing on understanding and writing Narrative Poetry
Common forms used for Narrative Poetry
Make it your own, Show your Pride
Once you have completed your project you have the option to submit your work into one of several open poetry contests below. Good Luck