Discussion 1

Often this word either makes a student shiver with joy or shiver with trepidation (a form of fear). Why is it that most students either love or hate poetry? Perhaps it is because poetry is so often misunderstood.

Let's see what you already know about poetry. Consider each of the following statements and decide whether you agree or disagree with them. Come back to these at the end of this unit and see if you've changed your mind!

Most poems rhyme.
Most poems have regular rhythm.
Poetry is just like a short story only it is written in a different format.
Most poetry is about love or death.
Poetry is almost always difficult to understand especially the older poems because of the flowery language.
The more skill a poet has, the more difficult his poems are to understand.
Poets seem to have different experiences than the rest of us do.
Poets can tell a story in a poem the same way an author tells a story in a short story.
Only teachers and people in the academic world really like poetry anymore.
Poetry is like opera; one has to acquire a taste for it.

Go to the Discussion area and answer TWO of the following questions. Your answer must be at least a four to fiveparagraph per question. You will receive only half credit if you answer only one question. Make sure you also respond to your peers' posts.

What are some typical ideas, subjects or themes that are often found in poems? Why do you think these themes are appropriate for poetry particularly?

What might influence poets' ideas?

What are the qualities of poetry that you have enjoyed in the past? Are there any poems that you have specifically enjoyed? Can you say why this/these poems appealed to you?