Poetry Forms - Definitions and Examples

prof.Abdelhamid Fouda 

✏️Sonnet - a short rhyming poem with 14 lines.  The original sonnet form was invented in the 13/14th century by Dante and an Italian philosopher named Francisco Petrarch. The form remained largely unknown until it was found and developed by writers such as Shakespeare. Sonnets use iambic meter in each line and use line-ending rhymes.

✏️Limerick - a five-line witty poem with a distinctive rhythm. The first, second and fifth lines, the longer lines, rhyme. The third and fourth shorter lines rhyme. (A-A-B-B-A).

✏️Haiku - This ancient form of poem writing is renowned for its small size as well as the precise punctuation and syllables needed on its three lines. It is of ancient Asian origin.

Haiku's are composed of 3 lines, each a phrase. The first line typically has 5 syllables, second line has 7 and the 3rd and last line repeats another 5. In addition there is a seasonal reference included.

✏️Narrative - A narrative poem tells the story of an event in the form of a poem. There is a strong sense of narration, characters, and plot. It may be dramatic, with objectives and diverse characters. Narrative poetry may be short or long, and the story it relates to may be simple or complex.

✏️Epic - a lengthy narrative poem in grand language celebrating the adventures and accomplishments of a legendary or conventional hero

✏️Couplet - two lines of verse which rhyme and form a unit alone or as part of a poem.

✏️Free Verse - A Free Verse Poem does not follow any rules. Their creation is completely in the hands of the author. Rhyming, syllable count, punctuation, number of lines, number of stanzas, and line formation can be done however the author wants in order to convey the idea. There is no right or wrong way to create a Free Verse poem.

✏️Acrostic - An acrostic poem is a poem where the one letter in each line spells out a word or phrase vertically that acts as the theme or message of the poem. The word used for the acrostic can be the name of the person you are writing the acrostic about, a message such as Happy Birthday or a theme such as Acceptance, Love or Hope.

✏️METAPHOR POEMS

People have used metaphors since the birth of mankind. Metaphors are a way to get around censorship as well as to help us see truths that we may not be able to face if they were stated plainly. It is a way to accentuate beauty as well as pain through this medium of the unstated comparison. When you are reading an appropriate metaphor you are immediately drawn between the truth of the comparison that is being alluded to. The ability to understand metaphoric language opens the key to poetry of tremendous beauty.

✏️ABC POEMS

An ABC poem is a poem where the first letter of each line is the subsequent letter of the alphabet. The first line starts with A. The second line begins with B, and this continues for the rest of the poem. Each line focuses on building upon the central topic of the poem, creating a specific mood, feeling, or picture in the reader’s mind. There are various types of ABC (or Alphabet) poems. Some use all 26 letters, while others only use 5-6 of the letters in alphabetical order.

facts about English Literature.

prof.Abdelhamid Fouda 

Some interesting facts about English Literature. 

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👉The English language is split into three large time periods, each represented by a main author or work:

Old English (Beowulf)

Middle English (Geoffrey Chaucer)

And Modern English (William Shakespeare)

👉The oldest surviving English text is Caedmon’s Hymn of Creation.

👉When King Henry VIII had England’s monasteries burned down in 1535, many of the

oldest texts written in English also went up in flames.

👉 The first novel wasn’t written in English (critics usually give that honor to Cervantes’ Don Quixote), but the first extremely successful novel was: Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe.

👉Works written in English have won twenty-six Nobel Prizes in Literature, more than any other language. Of those twenty-six, nine were won by authors from the United Kingdom.

👉 Bede- the father of English learning. The first Historian.

👉Caedmon- the first English poet.

👉Cynewulf- first writer to sign his works.

👉Alfred- first prose writer in English.

👉Chaucer- father of English literature

👉 Dryden- father of English criticism

👉Bacon- father of English esaay.

Why is literature important?

prof.Abdelhamid Fouda 

6  Reasons Why Literature Is So Important

"Literature Is One Of The Most Interesting And Significant Expressions Of Humanity." 

-P. T. Barnum

Today, there are too many people who believe that literature is simply not important or underestimate its abilities to stand the test of time and give us great knowledge. There is a stigma in society that implies one who is more inclined toward science and math will somehow be more successful in life, and that one who is more passionate toward literature and other art forms will be destined to a life of low-paying jobs and unsatisfying careers. Somewhere along the line, the world has come to think that literature is insignificant. To me, however, literature serves as a gateway to learning of the past and expanding my knowledge and understanding of the world. Here are just a few reasons why literature is important.

1. Expanding horizons

First and foremost, literature opens our eyes and makes us see more than just what the front door shows. It helps us realize the wide world outside, surrounding us. With this, we begin to learn, ask questions, and build our intuitions and instincts. We expand our minds.

2. Building critical thinking skills

Many of us learn what critical thinking is in our language arts classes. When we read, we learn to look between the lines. We are taught to find symbols, make connections, find themes, learn about characters. Reading expands these skills, and we begin to look at a sentence with a larger sense of detail and depth and realize the importance of hidden meanings so that we may come to a conclusion.

3. A leap into the past

History and literature are entwined with each other. History is not just about power struggles, wars, names, and dates. It is about people who are products of their time, with their own lives. Today the world is nothing like it was in the 15th century; people have changed largely. Without literature, we would not know about our past, our families, the people who came before and walked on the same ground as us.

4. Appreciation for other cultures and beliefs

Reading about history, anthropology, or religious studies provides a method of learning about cultures and beliefs other than our own. It allows you to understand and experience these other systems of living and other worlds. We get a view of the inside looking out, a personal view and insight into the minds and reasoning of someone else. We can learn, understand, and appreciate it.

5. Better writing skills

When you open a book, when your eyes read the words and you take in its contents, do you ask yourself: How did this person imagine and write this? Well, many of those authors, poets, or playwrights used literature to expand their writing.

6. Addressing humanity

All literature, whether it be poems, essays, novels, or short stories, helps us address human nature and conditions which affect all people. These may be the need for growth, doubts and fears of success and failure, the need for friends and family, the goodness of compassion and empathy, trust, or the realization of imperfection. We learn that imperfection is not always bad and that normal can be boring. We learn that life must be lived to the fullest. We need literature in order to connect with our own humanity.

Literature is important and necessary. It provides growth, strengthens our minds and gives us the ability to think outside the box.

Genres within the Canterbury Tales

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prof.Abdelhamid Fouda 

👉Fabliau

A short verse tale with coarse humor and realistic or obscene descriptions that show a part of life in middle and lower class people

👉Chivalric Romance

A tale of courtly love where in such tales, the knights exhibit nobility, courage, and respect for the ladies and the ladies exhibit elegance and modesty back.

👉Exempelum

A short narrative verse or prose that teaches a moral lesson or reinforces a doctrine or religious belief.

👉Arthurian Romance

A type of work where a knight in the age of the legendary King Arthur goes on a quest

👉Beast Fable

A short story in verse or prose in which animals are the main characters and exhibit human traits.

👉Satire

A literary work or technique that attacks or pokes fun at vices and imperfections.

👉Burlesque

A literary work or technique that mocks a person, place, or thing , or an idea by using sarcasm or irony.

👉Low Comedy

A type of comedy that is generally physical rather than verbal. Usually focuses on ordinary folk.

👉Breton Lay

A Fourteenth Century English narrative poem in rhyme about courtly love that contains the elements of the supernatural.

👉Allegory

A literary work or technique that describes secondary or symbolic meaning to characters, events, objects and ideas.

Memories....

prof.Abdelhamid Fouda 

When I was in class 7 , I used to ask a lot of questions. .....!

    One day, I asked my English Teacher, "Why do we ignore some letters in pronunciation eg. the letter H .......in Hour, Honour. .....etc. ......??????

My English Teacher said, " We are not ignoring them;  they're considered silent ".......

       (I was even more confused .....?????)

   During the lunch break, my Teacher  gave me her packed lunch and asked me to heat it in the Cafeteria. 

   I ate all the food and returned her the empty container. ....!!!!!!!

 My English Teacher : What happened?  I told you to go and HEAT my food, you are returning me an empty container.

 I replied,  "Madam, I thought 'H' was silent.  

Dedicated to all English Teachers.

Some English proverbs

prof.Abdelhamid Fouda 

English language is like other languages around the world, it has a lot of proverbs. Proverbs are short wise saying in general use, stating a general truth or piece of advice. Proverbs add more decoration to your English communication skills and not only that but can also help you to comprehend messages used in conversation, interview, speech writing and novels such as in dramas and prose writings by different authors. Frequent use of proverbs in your conversation can indicate how deeper you are in language communication skills. It also helps English learner to speak better English. Here are some proverbs with their meanings and examples:

(1) . "A bad workman always blames

his tools." 

This proverb is used when someone blames the quality of their equipment or other external factors when they perform a task poorly.

Example : X: The turkey isn’t cooked well because the oven is not functioning well. Y: Well, it’s the case of a bad workman blaming his tools.

(2) . "A bird in hand is worth two in the

bush." 

Things we already have are more valuable than what we hope to get.

Example : X: Why did you turn down that job offer when you don’t have anything concrete in hand at the moment? Y: Well, I’m confident I’ll land one of the two jobs I interviewed for last week. And they’re better than this one. X: In my opinion, you should’ve taken it. A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.

(3.) "Absence makes the heart grow

fonder." 

When people we love are not with us, we love them even more.

Example : When I was with her she always fought with me but now she cries for me on phone. I think distance made her heart grow fonder.

(4.) "A cat has nine lives.

Cat can survive seemingly fatal events." 

Example : I haven’t seen him for several weeks, but I wouldn’t really worry about him. Everyone knows a cat has nine lives.

(5.) "A chain is only as strong as its

weakest link" .

One weak part will render the whole weak.

Example : No matter how confident the team is, it is as strong as its weakest link – its defence.

(6). "Actions speak louder than words." 

Actions are a better reflection of one’s character because it’s easy to say things, but difficult to act on them and follow through.

Example : Julie always says she’ll donate to the

school, and she never does, so I doubt she will this year. Actions speak louder than words, after all.

(7.) "A drowning man will clutch at a

straw." 

When someone is in a difficult situation, s/he will take any available opportunity to improve it.

Example : After trying all reliable medicines, he is now visiting quacks to get a cure for his baldness. A drowning man will clutch at a straw.

(8.)" Adversity and loss make a man

wise." 

We gain wisdom faster in difficult times than in

prosperous times.

Example : After losing money in my investments, I know which investments to avoid. It is rightly said adversity and loss make a man wise.

(9.) "A fool and his money are soon

parted." 

Foolish people do not know how to hold on to their money.

Example : She gave up her entire estate on the basis of a verbal promise. A fool and his money are indeed easily parted.

(10.) "A journey of thousand miles

begins with a single step." 

Howsoever big a task is, it starts with a small step.

Example : I’m feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of completing 4,000-word paper by next week, but I guess I’ll start by writing 500 words every day. After all, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

(11.) "A leopard can’t/ doesn’t change

its spots." 

A person can’t change its innate character, especially bad.

Example : X: Do you think he’ll stop copying after being caught and penalized? Y: I don’t think so. A leopard can’t change its spots.

(12.) "All good things come to an end." 

Good experiences eventually come to an end.

Example : I was so sad to graduate from college and separate from my friends, but I’ve to realize that all good things come to an end.

(13.) "All’s well that ends well." 

As long as the outcome is good, problems on the way don’t matter.

Example : I’m glad you finally got here, even though your car had a flat tire on the way. Oh well, all’s well that ends well.

(14.) "All that glitters is not gold." 

Things that look good outwardly may not be as

valuable or good.

Example : X: I want to be a movie star when I grow up.

Y: Film industry looks good from the distance, but it has its own problems. Remember, all that glitters is not gold.

(15.)" All’s fair in love and war." 

One can break the rules of fair play under extenuating circumstances.

Example : X: How can you pitch my idea to the boss to look good? Y: Come on, all is fair in love and war.

(16.) "Always put your best foot

forward." 

Try as hard as you can or give your best.

Example : You need to put your best foot forward in the interview if you want to land that job.

(17.) "Among the blind the one-eyed

man is king." 

An incapable person can gain powerful position if others in the fray are even more incapable.

Example : Despite his obvious lack of exposure and skills, he became head of the department because he is one-eyed among the blind.

(18.)" An apple a day keeps the doctor

away." 

Eating an apple a day will keep you healthy.

Example : Switch from chips to apples for your snack. An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

(19.) "An empty vessel makes much

noise." 

Foolish or stupid people are the most talkative.

Example : The spokesperson of the ruling political party yesterday was shouting at the top of his voice on a TV debate, trying to defend the indefensible. Empty vessel makes much noise.

(20.)" An idle brain is the devil’s

workshop." 

If you’ve nothing to do, you’ll likely think of mischief.

Example : The kids should be kept busy during the summer break. Otherwise, you know an idle brain is devil’s workshop.

(21.) "An ounce of protection is worth

a pound of cure." 

A little precaution before a crisis hits is better than lot of firefighting afterwards.

Example : Get the vaccination on priority. An ounce of protection is worth a pound of cure.

(22.) "A picture is worth a thousand

words." 

It is easier to show or explain something through a picture than through words.

Example : A picture is worth a thousand words. It is easier to learn biology through pictures than through reams of text.

(23.) "Appearances can be deceptive." 

Outward appearance may not be what you believe them to be.

Example : X: He was well-mannered, suave, and good to talk to, but he turned out to be a cheater. Y: Well, appearances can be deceptive.

(24.) "A rolling stone gathers no

moss." 

A person who is always changing jobs and places has the advantage of less responsibilities, but also the disadvantage of no fixed place to live.

Example : He was a bit of rolling stone before he got the job and settled down.

(25.)" A ship in the harbor is safe, but

that is not what a ship is for." 

Get out of your comfort zone to grow and fulfill your potential.

Example : I think your fears are unfounded. You should travel to Italy for the Model UN. I’m sure you’ll learn a lot. Remember, a ship in the harbor is safe, but that is not what a ship is for.

(26.) "A stitch in time saves nine." 

It’s better to deal with problems immediately rather than wait by when they worsen and become much bigger.

Example : Because we anticipated and responded to the possible change in Facebook algorithm, the referral traffic to our website dropped much less than what happened to some of our competitors. A stitch in time saves nine.

(27.) "As you sow, so you shall reap." 

Your actions – good or bad – determine what you get.

Example : You’ve got entangled in few cases of fraud. That’s a result of your illegal get-rich-quick methods. You should have known as you sow, so you shall reap.

(28.)" A thing begun is half done."

A good beginning makes it easier to accomplish the rest of the project.

Example : He has already won first set in the match. I think he is on course to take this match. Well begun is half done, after all.

(29.) "Barking dogs seldom bite." 

People who appear threatening rarely do harm.

Example : X: I’m really scared to report delay in the project to the boss. His temper is so over the top. Y: I don’t think you should worry too much about it.

Barking dogs seldom bite.

(30.)" Be slow in choosing, but slower

in changing." 

Choose things or people after proper diligence, but once you choose, stick for long.

Example : Don’t be hasty in picking friends, but once you make friends with someone, don’t change him/her fast. You should be slow in choosing, but slower in changing.

(31.) "Beauty is in the eye of the

beholder." 

What may seem beautiful to one person may not seem to another.

Example : You may not like the curves of my new car, but then beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

(32.) "Beauty is only skin deep." 

A person’s character, intellect, and other inner

qualities are more important than his/ her physical beauty.

Example : That gorgeous actress behaved so rudely with the driver – beauty is skin deep, after all.

(33.) "Beggars can’t be choosers." 

People who depend on the generosity of others can't pick & choose things as per their liking. They’ve to accept what is given to them.

Example : X: I borrowed this jacket from my friend, but it’s not one of his nice ones. Y: Well, but, beggars can’t be choosers.

(34.) "Best things in life are free." 

The most valuable things are often free.

Example : I feel so rejuvenated in clean air, sparkling water, and beautiful nature of the mountains. Often times, the best things in life are free.

(35.) "Better late than never." 

It is better to get something (you desire) late than get it never.

Example : I’m sorry I’m late to the party, but better late than never, right?

(36.) "Better to be poor and healthy

rather than rich and sick." 

Good health is more important than money.

Example : The pharma tycoon has been in and out of hospital for the last two months because of kidney ailments. It’s better to be poor and healthy than rich and sick.

(37.)" Better to wear out than to rust

out."

It is better to remain active than to be idle (used mainly for old people)

Example : X: Seeing your age, I wouldn’t recommend you to work so hard. Y: It’s better to wear out than to rust out.

(38.) "Blood is thicker than water." 

Relationships with family (or blood relatives) is

stronger than other relationships.

Example : My friends invited me for the picnic on Sunday, but I have to go to my cousin’s birthday instead. Blood is thicker than water, isn’t it?

(39) ." Cleanliness is next to Godliness." 

Cleanliness is a sign of goodness, a great virtue.

Example : Keep yourself clean, after all cleanliness is next to Godliness.

(40) . "Clothes do not make the man." 

A person’s character can’t be judged by his/ her

clothing and outward appearance.

Example : X: I can’t believe he has been charged for insider trading. He always seemed so professional and impeccable. Y: Well, clothes don’t make the man.

Life requires to struggle all time

Learning is the only  thing which never stops