Lesson one
1.1 Aspects / Elements of poetry
1.2 Subject matter
This is a term used to refer to what a poem is about.
In determining this, one is expected to look at the title and relate it to the rest of the poem. In some poems, the title clearly states what is in the rest of the poem but in others, the title may not. Unlike theme or message, the focus of the subject matter is the content of the poem, this, it is more of a summary of the occurrences brought up in the poem.
1.3 Theme
This is the main idea or lesson that the writer/ poet is putting across in a poem.
It is usually in form of criticism to bad behavior, a piece of advice or appreciation e.g
Teachers are special people
Teachers are special people
Because of all they symbolize
And stand for-
Glowing lamps illuminating
the darkness of ignorance.
Skilled potters
Moulding and forming
the tender young minds and hearts
entrusted to their care
devoted gardeners
tending and nurturing
the budding plants
in their garden patch,
helping them to blossom and bloom
through their care and concern;
Friends, philosophers and Guides
and sometimes, parent-substitutes
as well . Dr. Eliana and Ann Charles (India)
Therefore, the theme of this poem is the importance of teachers in our lives.
The persona / speaker says that teachers are special people (opinion) and compares them to lamps that help to drive away ignorance or to potters as they mold the character of their students. He/ she also compares teachers to gardeners who nurture young people helping them to develop.
Lastly, the speaker says that teachers are friends, philosophers and Guides and could even at times substitute the parents of the students (evidence).
Read the poem below and answer the questions that follow.
THE SWEETEST THING
There is in this world something
that surpasses all other things
in sweetness.
It is sweeter than honey
It is sweeter than salt
It is sweeter than sugar
It is sweeter than all
existing things .
This thing is sleep.
When you are conquered by sleep
nothing can ever prevent you
nothing can stop you from sleeping.
When you are conquered by sleep
and numerous millions arrive
millions arrive to disturb you
millions will find you a sleep .
Soussou.
Questions.
- What is the poem about?
- State the theme of the poem above
- Write a poem of your choice putting into consideration the definition of poetry.