In class: Today unit you will begin to reach down and pull out words that truly mean something to you as an individual; you have the opportunity to express memories, feelings, ideas, thoughts, hope and much more within your words.
1. Review of poetic devices most often used in slam poetry.2. Selecting a topic
3. The mechanics of writing your poem
Let's begin with listening to Boonaa Mohammed "Kill Them With Love" (4:42)
Note the poetic devices he uses in his poem.
1. Repetition
Repetition can be used for full verses, single lines or even just a single word or sound. The ultimate goal is to make something 'stick' better. If there's a main point you're conveying, or a message you want to resonate, try adding some form of repetition to see if you can make it stand out more. Repetition is a good aid to helping others understand the theme of your poem as well - especially in instances where other tools and imagery can actually hide the story behind your words. .
2.Societal ignorance: For reasons much like the one above, this can include classism, factioning and anything else that you seem to feel which too many people don't see.
3. Capital punishment: Have you ever been involved in a scenario where it came up? What did you think?
4. Homelessness / poverty
5. Corporal punishment: Some are for it, some are appalled that it even exists. Have you ever been subject to it?
6. Sex at a young age: What are the pressures on teens and even pre-teens today?
7. Teen pregnancy: This is frightening for people involved. Were you a pregnant teen or did you get someone pregnant at a very young age? What was the day-to-day like? How hot did the emotions burn?
8. The court system: Have you or anyone you known been "through the system"? What was it like? Scary? Dangerous?
9. Pro-life / pro-abortion: Have you ever had an abortion? Considered one? Talked someone into or out of one?
10. Affirmative action: Have you ever witnessed or been victim of discrimination in the workplace? How about this: Have you ever been the offender?
2. Rhyme & Different Types of Rhymes
There are numerous types of rhymes that can be used to give your slam poem character - it's not just about rhyming the last syllable of two lines. This goes a lot deeper than elementary rhymes - we all know that scheme, dream, team and cream rhyme. It doesn't take a wizard to put those together. So let's look at a couple other ways to rhyme.
A. Rhyming deeper into your lines - try rhyming the last three, four - even five syllables or more. Lose Yourself... "palms are sweaty...arms are heavy...vomit on his sweater already, mom's spaghetti...calm and ready...keeps on forgetting" on and on!
The Letter Never Delivered - this one a bit more complex
"Just 'cuz your attitude shattered chandeliers
Into blizzards of glass tears..."
B. Internal Rhyme - this is when you rhyme words within the same line. Here are a few examples:
"A smoke stack of throw backs who knows that..."
"Can't combat the wombat, stick it to his mom that..."
"...damaged love was a sandwich of..."
c. Compound Rhyme - compound rhymes are the rhyme scheme formed from two compound words where both words within the compound rhyme. An example would be "wildwood" and "childhood". "...a smokestack of throwbacks..."
A. Rhyming deeper into your lines - try rhyming the last three, four - even five syllables or more. Lose Yourself... "palms are sweaty...arms are heavy...vomit on his sweater already, mom's spaghetti...calm and ready...keeps on forgetting" on and on!
The Letter Never Delivered - this one a bit more complex
"Just 'cuz your attitude shattered chandeliers
Into blizzards of glass tears..."
B. Internal Rhyme - this is when you rhyme words within the same line. Here are a few examples:
"A smoke stack of throw backs who knows that..."
"Can't combat the wombat, stick it to his mom that..."
"...damaged love was a sandwich of..."
c. Compound Rhyme - compound rhymes are the rhyme scheme formed from two compound words where both words within the compound rhyme. An example would be "wildwood" and "childhood". "...a smokestack of throwbacks..."
3. Alliteration
Alliteration is the phonetic alignment and repeated use of a sound or letter in the first syllable of a word. Alliteration can be
` used for any combination of two words or more. As a poetic tool,
alliteration is one of the oldest, most widely used and effective
means of enhancing your poetry.
"...To block out the boisterous battles of bellows
from behind barricaded doors / breachless ..."
Another spin on alliteration is consonance -
Consonance uses repetitive sounds in the latter syllable of a word.
An example would be "he caught fate in his mitt"
` used for any combination of two words or more. As a poetic tool,
alliteration is one of the oldest, most widely used and effective
means of enhancing your poetry.
"...To block out the boisterous battles of bellows
from behind barricaded doors / breachless ..."
Another spin on alliteration is consonance -
Consonance uses repetitive sounds in the latter syllable of a word.
An example would be "he caught fate in his mitt"
4. Metaphor
Metaphors are a figurative means of comparing something to another
unrelated entity in order to contrive the full meaning or impact of that something. A metaphor puts an object or concept in a more clear perspective, provides imagery
and creates an analogy to give deeper understanding to a thing, a story, a message
r a concept. A really strong metaphor should make your audience think differently about something.
unrelated entity in order to contrive the full meaning or impact of that something. A metaphor puts an object or concept in a more clear perspective, provides imagery
and creates an analogy to give deeper understanding to a thing, a story, a message
r a concept. A really strong metaphor should make your audience think differently about something.
5. Assonance
Assonance is the repetition of a vowel sound. This can be a really fun alternative to rhyme. An example would be "...frogs ribbit kiss fish in the distance witch...". In this case the 'i' sound was repeated in several words. Another example of assonance would be "that black flag" - short and sweet, yet super effective!
6. Similes
Similes use the word "like" or "as" in their comparison.
Often what this does is ensure a listener understands there is
a comparison and the meaning is not necessarily literal.
"Everything I thought I knew was interrupted like Trojan air by arrows..."
Often what this does is ensure a listener understands there is
a comparison and the meaning is not necessarily literal.
"Everything I thought I knew was interrupted like Trojan air by arrows..."
7. Onomatopoeia
The sound of a word is parallel to the word's actual meaning.
Adding these kinds of words to your slam poem really helps it
jump from the page to the stage. A couple examples
that I love are BARF, SMASH, and CRACK.
"I felt the whiplash crack of death slash by back so deep..."
Adding these kinds of words to your slam poem really helps it
jump from the page to the stage. A couple examples
that I love are BARF, SMASH, and CRACK.
"I felt the whiplash crack of death slash by back so deep..."
8. Hyperbole
Hyperbole is the rhetoric art of exaggeration.
Hyperbole is a poetic tool that allows you to blow something
way out of proportion.They create an effect of large emphasis.
Hyperbole is a poetic tool that allows you to blow something
way out of proportion.They create an effect of large emphasis.
9. Personification
Personification can be defined as attributing a human characteristic
to an inanimate object or notion. Here are a few examples of personification:
"the rain danced wildly in the wind"
"thunder rumbled like the grumbling anger of agods" (also a simile)
"her tears sang songs of the dead"
to an inanimate object or notion. Here are a few examples of personification:
"the rain danced wildly in the wind"
"thunder rumbled like the grumbling anger of agods" (also a simile)
"her tears sang songs of the dead"
So HOW DO I BEGIN TO WRITE MY POEM?
You will find below some topic choices for inspiration purposes.
Of course, you may write on any topic you so choose.
1.Racism: The world needs to hear the personal stories and remain aware of what's happening outside their immediate surroundings.2.Societal ignorance: For reasons much like the one above, this can include classism, factioning and anything else that you seem to feel which too many people don't see.
3. Capital punishment: Have you ever been involved in a scenario where it came up? What did you think?
4. Homelessness / poverty
5. Corporal punishment: Some are for it, some are appalled that it even exists. Have you ever been subject to it?
6. Sex at a young age: What are the pressures on teens and even pre-teens today?
7. Teen pregnancy: This is frightening for people involved. Were you a pregnant teen or did you get someone pregnant at a very young age? What was the day-to-day like? How hot did the emotions burn?
8. The court system: Have you or anyone you known been "through the system"? What was it like? Scary? Dangerous?
9. Pro-life / pro-abortion: Have you ever had an abortion? Considered one? Talked someone into or out of one?
10. Affirmative action: Have you ever witnessed or been victim of discrimination in the workplace? How about this: Have you ever been the offender?
11. Eating disorders (anorexia, etc.): The statistics around eating disorders are frightening. Even with all the education, all the social media, all the attention - people still suffer. And it's difficult for these people. If you suffer from anorexia, bulimia or another eating disorder, or know someone who does, then use poetry to help save a life.
12. Emotional and/or mood disorders: Social anxiety, panic attacks, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder - there are thousands of them out there. People have to deal with these issues and it impacts their life every minute of every day. What's it like to have one of these disorders or conditions and have to go through life trying to be "normal"?
13. Pollution / green environment
14. Domestic violence: You see this in the news, you read it online, and you may have even experienced it as a victim or friend or other. How can you let the world understand what you've been through? Maybe you're the person who did it and you've spent years making amends but no one looks at you the same and if feels like they never will.
15. Thoughts on high profile people who make the news for violence or drugs: Athletes, movie stars, music industry folks - we see it and hear about it all too often. Have you ever had a role model that was a public figure and got caught up in some trouble? What was that like?
16. Gangs: The need for acceptance will always be strong, and gangs will always provide cushion for falling youth. Have you been involved in any way (part of, victim of...)?
17.. Drug abuse & addiction (or alcoholism): . It affects every geographic region on the map and it's a painful, life-threatening experience.
18. Social media / privacy: Has your information ever been exposed, sold or exploited on a social channel? Was your privacy and personally identifiable information compromised? What happens when privacy rights are invaded?
19.. Bullying: This can happen at schools, online/cyber bullying, in the workplace, in social circles, or just about anywhere. It can be physical or psychological. In any regard, it's messed up and someone suffers. Have you ever suffered from bullying? Have you ever been the bully? What was the context?
20. Climate change: Does it scare you? Do you fear for your children, and in turn for their children? What have you done in the effort to help it?
21. Gun control: With all the news (especially as of late), this is a huge and obviously incredibly controversial topic. No matter which side you take, what's your personal story with guns? Why are you for or against stricter gun control laws?
22. Prostitution: Ever sold yourself before? Ever paid for sex? This topic is just a big, fat emotion waiting to be unravelled in a million ways.
23. Sexually transmitted disease (STDs): This is a frightening topic. But even with all the education available, STDs continue to kill people year after year. Have you ever had one? What did you learn? How did you handle it? Ever known someone who had one and maybe died from it? What were the emotions like going through that?
24. LGBT and gay rights
25.. Sexism
26. Religion / religious discrimination
27.. Animal rights
28. Sexual discrimination in schools and/or society: Where have you seen it? Ever been a victim? Ever harassed or discriminated against someone because of their gender?
29.. A time your heart was broken
30. What's it like to feel lonely
31. sibling, family member or friend with mental illness
32. cancer
33. another terminal disease
34. the last time you said goodbye to something
35. innocence lost
36. sexual abuse
37. the best lessons you ever learned from someone
38. a memory of a particular with someone
39. guilt
40. a challenging situation
41. fear
*****************************************************
So you have a topic, now what?
on paper write about your topic:
1. imagery: sights, smells, tastes, feelings, sounds; now do this times again and a third time. You can put them in sentences or fragments. Tell the tale.
2. Read it aloud in your head. What's missing in this rough draft? Add more...and more. Can you feel a rhyme? Sound sense: alliteration, assonance, consonance? Any similes or metaphors that can be added? onomatopoeia?
3. Now rewrite the poem, fleshing it out, so the words sound and feel the way you want them to. You should have a minimum of two minutes worth or writing.
4. Read it aloud again...and let you and poem become one.
5. We are not memorizing these (unless you wish to for 100 writing points). Practice reading in front of the mirror.
6. And give your poem a title
Class handout: see below
Class handout: see below
Building your poem.
What your
slam poem should include (check blog english3-17-18.blogspot.com, if you need
to recheck the following): repetition, rhyme (deep rhyme: three / four/ five
syllables), internal rhyme (rhyme words in same line), compound rhyme (wildwood
/ childhood), alliteration (repeating first letter or syllable: she sells sea
shells), assonance (repetition of vowel sounds: that black flag), consonance
(repeat sounds at the end of word: boisterous/ bellows), metaphors, similes,
onomatopoeia, hyperbole, litotes, anaphora, epistrophe, apostrophe,
personification and imagery.
1.Select your topic.
2. Now free write.
Are you
telling a tale? Remember literary elements: character, setting, dialogue, tone,
plot
Philosophical
/ political / social / personal reflections? Some require research to enrich the poem.
Remember rich
adjectives and adverbs.
And
imagery: sights, sounds, smell, taste, feeling…and in other cultures the breath
is considered a sense.
3. Read
your poem aloud in your head
4. Cut
the fat: get rid of the nonessentials
5.
Rewrite your poem, fleshing out the rhymes, etc
6. Read
it aloud
7.
Practice in front of the mirror
8. Read
or perform for the class on Monday, May 14; note all poems will be collected.
9. Grading: reading
in front of class based upon oral presentation skills: voice projection,
enunciation and vocal clarity, eye contact with all of audience, body language
(not stilted, open to audience). (two class participation grades)
10. Note: there will be a graded writing
reflection, where you will analyze your poem based upon the above criteria.
11. Optional memorized performance
for 100 writing grade points.
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