Form in Poetry Discussion

INTRODUCTION

Craft elements refer to the building blocks of fiction/poetry. They include things like plot, character, point of view, imagery, rhyme, rhythm, meter, etc. Craft elements are the tools that writers use to build works of fiction/poetry, just as other types of artists use paint, clay, wood, metal, concrete, and even digital media to build creations for the sake of art, communication, or business. Creators use the tools of their craft to guide their audiences to focus on what’s most important in their creations. So, as readers of fiction/poetry, it’s worthwhile to ask how authors construct their creative work, and why they make their craft-related choices. And as creators ourselves, it’s crucial to consider how we can/should use the craft tools we have to construct our fiction/poetry.

In this activity, we’ll look at how poets use form.

WHAT TO DO

FIRST, read the both e.e. cummings and George Herbert’s poems

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and Form in Poetry

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handout, also linked at the bottom of this page.

SECOND, post a message to the Form in Poetry forum that addresses the following:

• Look at either of the two e.e. cummings’ poems, and make as many observations as you can about possible connections between the poem’s FORM and it’s SUBJECT. Dig deep, and try to push beyond superficial observations that equate to “the poem looks like what it is,” and try to connect the poem’s use of line and space with its deeper, possibly thematic subject.

This is a tough challenge–that’s why they’re called “challenges.” Don’t be discouraged; just try, and don’t give up too quickly. I’m not looking for right answers, I’m looking for your ability to think creatively, to be curious, and to keep trying.

LINKS

• e.e. cummings’ and George Herbert’s poemsActions
• Form in PoetryActions