ENG 240 Wk 2 Discussion – Writing Poems

Post a total of 3 substantive responses over 2 separate days for full participation. This includes your initial post and 2 replies to other students.

Due Thursday

Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words:

As you prepare to write an original poem this week, let’s begin with a simple question. What is a poem? Some people would say poetry is a set of stanzas that have meter and rhyme. However, not all poetry rhymes, and not all of it has a consistent rhythm. Still, others would describe poetry as an emotional form of writing, but some poems do not seem to evoke emotion at all. Many people would say poetry uses symbols and figurative language, but again, these features are not universal to poetry. The point is that poetry is not as rigid a term as one might think:

In your view, what characterizes a piece of writing as a poem? Is there any single element that a poem must have in order to be considered a poem? What characteristics distinguish a poem from prose? Why do you think that poetry can be more challenging for readers?

Due Monday

Reply to at least 2 of your classmates. Be constructive and professional in your responses.