RHYTHM IN POETRY

Objective

By the end of the lesson the learner should be able to:

1.   Identify features of rhythm in poetry.
2. Appreciate the importance of rhythm in poetry
3. Read a poem and bring out its rhythm 

What is rhythm of a poem?

This is the musicality of a poem.

Read the poem below aloud, paying attention to the musicality

• Observe proper pronunciation, intonation and enunciation.
• Read audibly and clearly.

 

Take note of the following:

• Stressed and unstressed syllable.
•  Pauses.

 

If We Must Die Claude McKay
If we must die, let it not be like hogs
Hunted and penned in an inglorious spot,
While round us bark the mad and hungry dogs,
Making their mock at our accursèd lot.
If we must die, O let us nobly die,
So that our precious blood may not be shed
In vain; then even the monsters we defy
Shall be constrained to honor us though dead!
O kinsmen! we must meet the common foe!
Though far outnumbered let us show us brave,
And for their thousand blows deal one death-blow!
What though before us lies the open grave?
Like men we’ll face the murderous, cowardly pack,

Pressed to the wall, dying, but fighting back!

 

 

Features of rhythm in poetry

1.       Repetition of words, expression or lines 
2.       Use of assonance.
3.       Use of alliteration.
4.       Use of lines which are almost the same length.
5.       Use of rhyme or rhyming words.
6.     Punctuation e.g. commas(pauses), dashes, long pregnant pauses.     
7.   Distribution of stressed and unstressed syllable.

Importance of rhythm in poetry

•  Helps to set the tone of the poem.
•  Evokes emotions .
•  Sets a certain mood or atmosphere.
• It affects the meaning in the poem.

 

How has the poet achieved Rhythm in the poem ‘If We Must Die’?

• The poet repeats the line “if we must die” to show courage and resoluteness in the face of impending death.

 

• Use of alliteration 

making mock
deal death blow
men murderous 
  

• Use of assonance 

dying fighting 
 

• Punctuation e.g. “if we must die, let it not be like hogs.” the comma indicates a pause which may help in creating rhythm and suspense 

   Next we analyse oral skills notes on giving directions.