Jennifer Clagett

SLM 521

Audio on the Web

Rhythm in Poetry

Introduction

In this activity you will get a sense of the rhythm involved in poetry. Rhythm is important in poetic piece, as it denotes the pace of the poem and contributes to its meaning. In this activity you will listen to two authors recite their poems, and describe how rhythm affects interpretation and meaning.

Activity

Click on the link below to read a poem by Gwendolyn Brooks. Then click on the “Play” button to listen to her recite it.

“We Real Cool,” by Gwendolyn Brooks

http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/15433

Pay special attention to the way Ms. Brooks recites the verses. You may want to listen to this twice, as it is a short poem. After you are finished, answer the following questions in your journal.

1. What do you notice about her rhythm, or the pace of the poem?

2. Is this the way you would have recited it? What about her rhythm adds or distracts from its meaning?

Now read and listen to "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost.

http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/15717

Answer the following questions in your journal:

1. How does Frost differ in his recitation?

2. Do you notice any similarities between the two readings?

3. Which reading did you prefer?

Now review the following description of rhythm.

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/501933/rhythm

On a sheet of paper, copy the poems and mark the stressed and unstressed syllables of each poem.

1. What patterns do you see? Can you discern a particular style of meter?

2. In your opinion how does this sense of rhythm add to your understanding of the poem?

3. What do you think the author is trying to say by using this particular rhythm?

Write down your answers on the sheet of paper. We will discuss these as a class.