Day 4: Literary

Appreciation & Critique

 Today’s Focus
1. What is poetry?

2. ‘The Unknown Citizen’ by W.H. Auden

What is poetry?
Poetry is the genre of rhythmic writing
filled with imagery that evokes an
emotional response from the reader.

This genre of literature is for exciting

the mind with beautiful, imaginative,
Because the language in
poetry is deeper and
or elevated thoughts.more indirect, it is normal
to not understand
everything in the first
reading.
Poetry is an experience produced by two
elements of language:

a) Sense (meaning)
b) Sound

Because sound is important in poetry, it is

often hard to translate poems into other
languages without losing some of their
impact or beauty.
There are two very important terms in
poetry: Denotation & Connotation

Denotation is a literal meaning or the dictionary

definition. It's exactly what you say.

Connotations are the emotions and associations

connected to a word. Connotation creates
imagery or pictures for readers in their minds.
Example 1:

A seed or Associated
fruit eating with:
bird with a Peace
small head, Love
short legs, Innocence
and a cooing Freedom
voice. Tranquility
Tenderness
Example 2:

- My wife tore my suit.

- My wife shredded my suit.

 Elements of Poetry

1. Structure & Form

2. Sound patterns

3. Figurative Language
 Elements of Poetry
1. Structure & Form: The structure of a poem includes lines
grouped into stanzas. There are three types / forms of poems:

a) Lyric Poetry: A poem with one speaker (not necessarily the

poet) who expresses strong thoughts and feelings.

b) Narrative Poem: It is a poem that tells a story.

c) Descriptive Poem: It is a poem that describes the world that

surrounds the speaker.
 Elements of Poetry
2. Sound patterns: Poems often include poetic devices like
rhythm and rhyme.

When a poem doesn’t rhyme or have a particular rhythm, then

it’s known as free verse. When the last words in a poem’s lines
rhyme, it’s called end rhyme.
 Elements of Poetry
3. Figurative Language: Language that is used imaginatively
rather than literally, to express ideas or feelings in new ways.

E.g. She was a rose and I was attracted to her scent.

 Figures of Speech
Figures of speech are used to make the writing process
more creative and interesting to read.

1. Simile: Comparing two things using ‘like’ or ‘as’.

2. Metaphor: Direct comparison between two things.
3. Personification: Giving human qualities to inanimate things.
4. Allusion: Reference to a well-known figure or event in the past.
5. Irony: Use of words to show the opposite of the actual meaning.
6. Euphemism: A word substituted for one less harsh.
7. Onomatopoeia: Words written to mimic a sound.
8. Symbolism: An object/colour which represents an abstract idea.
Is poetry beautiful?
Which approach is more
romantic?
If you don’t see
the beauty in
poetry, you
probably didn’t
look hard
enough.
 The Unknown Citizen
+ Did you enjoy the poem? Why or why not?

Poem analysis: www.bachelorandmaster.com/britishandamericanpoetry/the-unknown-

citizen.html#.WeNUlbIjHIU
Discussion
 The Unknown Citizen
He was found by the Bureau of Statistics to be
One against whom there was no official complaint,
And all the reports on his conduct agree
That, in the modern sense of an old-fashioned word, he was a saint,
 The Unknown Citizen
For in everything he did he served the Greater Community.
Except for the War till the day he retired
He worked in a factory and never got fired,
But satisfied his employers, Fudge Motors Inc.
 The Unknown Citizen
Yet he wasn't a scab or odd in his views,
For his Union reports that he paid his dues,
(Our report on his Union shows it was sound)
And our Social Psychology workers found
That he was popular with his mates and liked a drink.
 The Unknown Citizen
The Press are convinced that he bought a paper every day
And that his reactions to advertisements were normal in every way.
Policies taken out in his name prove that he was fully insured,
And his Health-card shows he was once in a hospital but left it cured.
Both Producers Research and High-Grade Living declare
He was fully sensible to the advantages of the Installment Plan
 The Unknown Citizen
And had everything necessary to the Modern Man,
A phonograph, a radio, a car and a frigidaire.
Our researchers into Public Opinion are content
That he held the proper opinions for the time of year;
When there was peace, he was for peace: when there was war, he
went.
 The Unknown Citizen
He was married and added five children to the population,
Which our Eugenist says was the right number for a parent of his
generation.
And our teachers report that he never interfered with their
education.
 The Unknown Citizen
Was he free? Was he happy? The question is absurd:
Had anything been wrong, we should certainly have heard.
 The Unknown Citizen
After reading the poem, what sort of man was
the deceased? Would you describe him as a risk-
taking rebel or a submissive law-abiding citizen?
The Unknown Citizen
 Helpful Links
• How to read a poem: www.shmoop.com/poetry/how-to-read-
poem/how-to-read.html

• Elements of poetry: http://slideplayer.com/slide/2564145/

• Poetry: http://learn.lexiconic.net/elementsofpoetry.htm
 Day 4 Homework
• Continue reading your chosen book
• Discussion questions
• Research “What is drama?”
• Read the play “Trifles” by Susan
Glaspell
(Link: www.one-act-plays.com/dramas/trifles.html)