Creating Harmony: Elements of a Poem - Essay Sample

Introduction

I believe that what characterizes a piece of writing as a poem is the focus of creating harmony between the meaning of the poem and the elements. For example, the tone, and the mood, and the theme must be supported by the choice of words. For example, a poem about a sad long night might be characterized by long stanzas and a sad tone. There is no single element that a poem must have to be considered a poem. Any one or a combination of several of them constitutes a poem. These include similes, rhymes, rhythm, metaphors, repetition, and meter. What distinguishes a poem from prose is that everything in a poem in condensed into few words with words carrying much more meaning in a poem that a prose. Poetry can be more challenging for readers because a word can be used to convey a different meaning that it traditionally does. In some cases, words can be borrowed from a foreign language to give the intended meaning or feelings.

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Sarah

First, I am glad that we are going to be making a poem this week. Among other elements, I think that you have outlined the major characteristics of a poem, particularly the rhymes and imagery. These are essential elements of a poem. However, I do not think that there is a specific single element that a poem must have to be considered a poem. I think that many elements characterize a piece of writing as poetry and any of them or a combination of them can make a poem. For example, I believe that a rhyme scheme and use of simile can make up a poem even if alliteration, meter, and a theme are absent.

I believe that what distinguishes a poem from prose is that both sound and sense should match. That is, poetry should match both meaning and sound. For example, if a poem is about depression or sadness, the mood, the language of the poem should reflect that. This can be achieved through the tone. Just like you, I believe that a poem can be challenging due to the few use of words.

Tara

I agree with you that poetry is another form of lyrical and written art. I believe, just like you that some of the characteristics of a poem is the use of one or several of the following elements- rhyme, stanza, similes, meter, and metaphors. These traditional elements are the defining features of a poem. The blending of these elements is what distinguishes a poem from prose in my opinion.

I believe that the single element that a poem must have to be considered a poem is the matching of the sound with the theme of the poem. What this means is that all the elements of poetry utilized must be geared towards supporting that theme. For example, a sad tone cannot be employed for a poem whose theme is about a happy occasion. Hence, all the elements of poetry used should match the sense of that poem.

I agree with you that sometimes poetry can be challenging to readers due to the use of foreign words to convey a certain meaning. For example, when the poet uses a word from early English or a foreign language, the reader has to understand the meaning of that word first before understanding its meaning in the poem.