WRITING & CRITIQUING POETRY
Material provided by the Rancho Mirage Library Poetry Critique
Group. 

THINGS TO LOOK FOR!

Items which can be used in a poem by author's discretion. This may give you some ideas of what you can add to your poems.

1. Texture:
   Those details that, while requiring formal organization, may be considered apart from the structure of a poem. They contribute largely to its technical interest, as also to its tome and the feeling conveyed.
2. Connotation:
   Any meaning suggested by the sound of the look of a word or association, however remotely, with its usual specific meaning.
3. Image:
   The representation of a particular thing with faithful evocative detail. (I.e. Imagery: may make an appeal to senses, may be open to symbolic interpretation.
4. Imagination:
   The power or process of using all the faculties so as to realize with intensity both what is and what is not perceived.
5. Symbol:
   A word or image that signifies something other that what it represents. In poetry a sign, because of its multiple meanings and the feelings associated with them, that points to something that cannot be precisely defined.
6. Metaphor:
   Language that implies a relationship, of which similarity is a significant feature between two things and so changes our apprehension of either or both.

Understanding and Enjoying Poetry

Criticism: The art of evaluation, judgement or analysis of a literary work.

1. The opening of a poem.
   1. Is the poem titled or untitled? Does it seem appropriate?
   2. Does the poem have strong enough opening?
   3. Do the first few lines establish the tone?
   4. Would any other part of the poem be a better opening?
2. Sound Devices.
   1. Is there any strong assonance vowel sounds?
      • 1 : resemblance of sound in words or syllables 2 a : relatively close juxtaposition of similar sounds especially of vowels b : repetition of vowels without repetition of consonants (as in stony and holy) used as an alternative to rhyme in verse. © 1998 by Merriam- Webster, Incorporated
        1. assonance, vowel rhyme -- (the repetition of similar vowels in the stressed syllables of successive words) WordNet Vocabulary Helper (NotreDame)
   2. Is there any strong alliteration consonant sounds?
      • : the repetition of usually initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words or syllables (as wild and woolly, threatening throngs) -- called also head rhyme, initial rhyme. © 1998 by Merriam- Webster, Incorporated
   3. Any problem with rhythm or texture of sound?
3. Sight Devices:
   
   1. Are there enough specific image details?
   2. Are the metaphors and similes apt?
   3. Are any sections weak in visual images? Need further development?
4. Sense Devices:
   
   1. What voice or persona or point of view in poem?
   2. Is diction consistent? Any odd word choices?
   3. Is syntax appropriate? Sentence structuring?
5. Closure of Poem:
   
   1. Do the last few lines seem right for the ending of the poem?
   2. Does the closure seem artificial or overwritten?
   3. Could the poet and the poem end in any better way?
   4. Should the poem be left suspended or with no closure?
6. Placement on Page:
   
   1. Do the lines breaks seem right? Enjambements (spillover from end of one line to start of the next) appropriate?
   2. Does poem have left hand capitals? Why ? Why not?
   3. Is the punctuation appropriate? Necessary?
   4. Could line placements be arranged in any better way?
7. General Observations:
   
   1. Can this poem be tightened in any way?
   2. Is there any rhetoric, generality, abstract words?
   3. Does the poem need development, more concrete particulars?
   4. Is the approach to the subject new, original?

Try to read a poem more than once. The greatest tribute to a poet is your personal discovery within his/her poem. Enjoy!

Mission Statement

This can be applied to any group that will be critiquing material whether it be poetry, fiction, non- fiction, etc.

To provide a safe place to share our creations.

To acknowledge that writing demands a degree of introspection and rates an area of vulnerability for the writer.

To honor that vulnerability and the courage it takes to share with strangers those intimacies and thoughts.

To offer one another advice, encouragement and criticism in a gentle and respectful manner at all times.

To leave our egos, attitudes, and personal insecurities at home and bring with us our work and humility.

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