Characteristics and Features of a Poem
1. Rhyme
Rhyme is a key characteristic of many poems, although not all poems have a rhyme scheme. Rhyme occurs when words have similar sounds at the end of each line. For example, in the poem "The Cat in the Hat" by Dr Seuss, the rhyme scheme is ABAB:
The sun did not shine. AIt was too wet to play. BSo we sat in the house AAll that cold, cold, wet day. B
Other forms of rhyme include assonance and consonance.
Assonance is when the vowel sounds in words are repeated, like in the line "mad as a hatter." Consonance is when the consonant sounds in words are repeated, like in the line "pitter-patter."
2. Rhythm
Poets use repetition of sounds or patterns to create a musical effect in their poems. Rhythm can be created by using the same number of words or syllables in each line. For example, the haiku poem form has a 5-7-5 syllable structure:
The cherry blossoms (5 Syllables)Fallen from the tree and blown (7 Syllables)In the evening breeze (5 Syllables)
Rhythm is the effect created by sound features, and it is the musicality of the poem. It can be brought about by rhyme, alliteration, assonance, consonance, and other sound features.
3. Use of Figurative Language
Poetry often uses figurative language to explain a situation using a few words. This includes the use of imagery and personification for comparison, symbolism, hyperbole (also called exaggeration), oxymoron, sarcasm, and other devices.
For example, in the poem "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost, the line "The woods are lovely, dark and deep" uses personification to give human qualities to the woods.
Poems are written in lines that make up stanzas, and there is often a break between stanzas. This gives the poem a shape, unlike other literary forms like novels and short stories. The shape of a poem can contribute to its meaning or create a visual effect that enhances the message.
4. Short and Compact
Most poems are short and compact compared to novels and short stories. They use few words to communicate a message, relying on the power of language and literary devices to create meaning.
5. Economical with Words
Poets are economical with words, using few words to communicate a message. This requires careful consideration of each word and phrase, as well as the use of literary devices to convey meaning in a concise way. For example, in the poem "This Is Just to Say" by William Carlos Williams, the author uses just a few lines to convey a message about apology and temptation:
I have eaten
the plums
that were in the icebox
and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast
Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold