Chapter 13 – The qualities of drama

Consider the following statements and click to reveal the answer.

1. Which poetic devices are used in John Agard’s poem Poetry Jump Up?

Answer:

The poetic devices used in John Agard’s poem Poetry Jump Up are metaphor, simile, rhyme at the ends of lines and within lines and personification.

2. In Masefield’s classic poem Cargoes:

  1. How is the structure organised?

  2. How does Masefield use assonance?

  3. What other devices does Masefield use?

Answer:

In Masefield’s classic poem Cargoes:

a. The structure is organised into stanzas with the same rhyming pattern and a very similar rhythmical pattern.

b. Masefield uses assonance to give the lines a lightness and delicacy of tone through a prevailing set of vowel sounds.

c. Masefield also uses associations and onomatopoeia.

3. From the definitions given, decide which poetry forms are listed:

  1. A poem where the size and shape of the letters, the fonts used, their boldness and their effects support its meaning
  2. Two consecutive lines linked by rhythm and rhyme
  3. A poem where the appearance on the page reflects its theme
  4. A poem that tells a story, sometimes in ballad form
  5. A Japanese verse with 17 syllables distributed over three lines
  6. A poem that is written to be acted out

Answer:

From the definitions given, decide which poetry forms are listed:

a. A calligram

b. A couplet

c. A shape poem

d. A narrative poem

e. A haiku

f. A performance poem