Exploring the Language

Of Poetry

Ms. McPeak

Prosody in Perspective

Simply put, prosody is the study of the elements of

poetry. There are many different elements to consider,

but today we are going to take a look at imagery.

What is Imagery?

Imagery is the author’s use of language that

appeals to the five senses in order to help

the reader imagine exactly what is being

described.

What do you think an image is?

What is Imagery

Some people say that imagery is when an author uses

words to “paint a picture” in the mind of the reader

and while sight is an important part it is not the only

one

Imagery is the use of vivid description to capture a

specific image and portray that to the reader

What is an Image?

• A reproduction or imitation in the form of a person or thing

• exact likeness

• A tangible or visible representation

• A mental picture or impression of something

….And the best definition that represents poetry….

A vivid or graphic representation or description

“Oranges” by Gary Soto

In the next two activities you will read the poem and watch a video project

that corresponds with the poem. As you read and watch/listen keep track

of the images that you encounter in Soto’s work

Also consider this :

How does Soto use imagery to strengthen

the impact of his poem?

http://bw1.pds.org/groups/lamottepoetrymaking/wiki/ed35a/images/c9e7e.png

How does Soto use imagery to strengthen the impact of his poem?

Imagery In “Oranges”

❖ breath/before me then gone

❖ porch light burned yellow/night and day

❖ face bright with rouge

❖ a line / of newly planted trees

❖ the candies/ Tiered like bleachers

❖ Light in her eyes, a smile/ starting at the corners/ of her mouth

Sight

Imagery In “Oranges”

Taste and Smell

★ with two oranges in my pocket

★ she lifted a chocolate

★ I turned to the candies

Imagery In “Oranges”

Touch

• Cold, and weighted down/

With two oranges in my jacket

• Pulling at her gloves

• touched her shoulder

• I fingered/ a nickel in my

pocket

Sound

➔ A dog barked at me

➔ the tiny bell bringing the sales

lady

➔ Frost cracking beneath my

steps

The Last Powerful Ending

Outside, Touch : Contrast to the warmth of the Drug

store

A few cars hissing past, Sound: hearing the

cars

Fog hanging like old

Coats between the trees. Sight- we see the fog

hanging on the

trees

I took my girl’s hand

In mine for two blocks,

Then released it to let Touch- holding hands

Her unwrap the chocolate. Touch, smell, taste

I peeled my orange Touch, smell, taste, sight

That was so bright against sight, touch

The gray of December

That, from some distance, sight, touch

Someone might have thought

I was making a fire in my hands.

Review So Far

What is poetry? Imaginative writing of a personal nature laid out in lines

How can we describe poetry?

How is it shaped?

Why write poetry?

Art of the unsayable or discovery

Author, Time period, geographic area, cultural

perceptions, other genres

entertainment, marketing, remembrance,

celebration, form of expression, means for change,

show identity or national pride

Review So Far

What is imagery?

the author’s use of language that appeals to the five senses in order to

help the reader imagine exactly what is being described.

or

The use of vivid description to capture a specific image and portray that to

the reader

“Daffodils” by William Wordsworth

Read this poem and watch a video project that corresponds with it. As you

read and watch/listen keep track of the images that you encounter

Also remember to consider :

How William uses imagery to strengthen

the impact of his poem?

http://www.dltk-holidays.com/spring/poem/s-daffodils.gif

http://www.poetryfoundation.org/features/video/281

“Daffodils” by William Wordsworth

I wandered lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host, of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,

Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine

And twinkle on the milky way,

They stretched in never-ending line

Along the margin of a bay:

Ten thousand saw I at a glance,

Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced; but they

Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:

A poet could not but be gay,

In such a jocund (cheerful) company:

I gazed--and gazed--but little thought

What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie

In vacant or in pensive mood,

They flash upon that inward eye

Which is the bliss of solitude;

And then my heart with pleasure fills,

And dances with the daffodils.

The Red Wheelbarrow by William Carlos

Williams

Read this poem and watch a video project that corresponds with it. As you

read and watch/listen keep track of the images that you encounter

Also remember to consider :

How William uses imagery to strengthen

the impact of his poem?

http://tootyandlolly.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/98860592.png

http://youtube.com/v/6PqRhDdeKDA

What would your image, your “red wheelbarrow” be?

“ The _____________”

So much depends

upon

a _________

___________________

___________

Beside __________

___________

In Conclusion

Whenever you are reading poetry remember to ask yourself “ What can I …”

See?

Smell?

Taste?

Feel?

Hear?

And ask yourself “Why did the poet choose this (these) images?” and “How

does this imagery strengthen the poem?”