Literature -TYPES OF POETRY - JSS3 English language Lesson Note

CONTENT:

1.        Traditional Poem: This is a poem which has its root from the indigenous and oral poem which is often chanted. They are praise songs recited in honour of some heroic persons, animals or events. “Salute of the Elephant” is a good example

2.        A ballad:This is a poem that is presented in the form of a song telling old stories.

3.        Ode:  This is a long narrative lyrical poem written in the form of an address to somebody, ideas or objects. It is often written in celebration of that which it is addressed to. Example: “ Ode to a Nightingale” by John Keats.

4.        Lyric:This is a poem which directly expresses the poet’s personal emotion of love, sorrow, disappointment or fulfilment. It is highly emotional, full of thoughts and feelings. It could be sung during burial or other ceremonies. It has a regular rhythm with end rhyme

5.        Elegy:This is a poem written in the meditation of any sorrow or ordeal. It is like a dirge but not specifically meant for only the deceased.

6.        Dirge:This is a poem specially written to mourn the dead. It is primarily written to lament the departure of a loved one. “My Jewel is No More” by F.I Akilaki is a good example.

7.        Sonnet:This is a poem of fourteen lines divided into two stanzas of eight lines( octave) 

8.        Narrative poem: This is a long poem that tells a story. It gives the details of events and people whose story is told.

9.        Epic:  This is a poetic account of a hero. It is a poem that narrates the heroic deeds of a people or great man. Epics are usually very voluminous; they are the longest set of poems.

10.      Lullaby:This is a poem of pleasant song chanted in a low gentle voice to lure children to sleep.

11.      Idyll: This is a poetic form of short and idealized story which describes an incident or an interesting event.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         12.  Pastoral Poem:   This is a poem that describes characters and symbols to represent the speech and action of human beings.

13.      Epitaph:This is a poetic inscription on a tombstone. It is written to express respect or disrespect for the deceased.

14.      Limerick:This is an amusing poem of five lines.