Poetry

An Eagle

According to Wikipedia:Eagle is a common name for many large birds of prey of the family Accipitridae; it belongs to several groups of genera that are not necessarily closely related to each other.Most of the 60 species of eagles are from Eurasia and Africa. [1] Outside this area, just 14 species can be found – two in North America, nine in Central and South America, and three in Australia.

Eagles are large, powerfully built birds of prey, with a heavy head and beak. Even the smallest eagles, like the booted eagle (Aquila pennata) (which is comparable in size to a common buzzard (Buteo buteo) or red-tailed hawk (B. jamaicensis)), have relatively longer and more evenly broad wings, and more direct, faster flight – despite the reduced size of aerodynamic feathers. Most eagles are larger than any other raptors apart from some vultures. The smallest species of eagle is the South Nicobar serpent eagle (Spilornis klossi), at 450 g (0.99 lb) and 40 cm (16 in). The largest species are discussed below. Like all birds of prey, eagles have very large hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong muscular legs, and powerful talons. The beak is typically heavier than that of most other birds of prey. Eagles' eyes are extremely powerful, having up to 3.6 times human acuity for the martial eagle, which enables them to spot potential prey from a very long distance.[2] This keen eyesight is primarily attributed to their extremely large pupils which ensure minimal diffraction (scattering) of the incoming light. The female of all known species of eagles is larger than the male.[3][4]

The EagleBy Alfred, Lord Tennyson

He clasps the crag with crooked hands; Close to the sun in lonely lands, Ring'd with the azure world, he stands.

The wrinkled sea beneath him crawls; He watches from his mountain walls, And like a thunderbolt he falls.

Figurative Language

Figurative language does not mean exactly what it says (literal), but instead

forces the reader to make an imaginative leap in order to

comprehend an author's point. The two most common examples are simile

and metaphor.

Denotation – Literal. The dictionary definition of a word.

CONNOTATION

Figurative. What is implied beyond the literal definition of a word. That which is associated with the word or symbol.

HOW SOMETHING MAKES YOU FEEL.

CONNOTATION IN LANGUAGE

CONNOTATION IN LANGUAGE

Denotative meaning: the literal face-value meaning of a signConnotative meaning: all the social, cultural, and historical meanings that are added to a sign's literal meaning

denotation: This photo shows a boy seated next to some type of scooter.connotation: Seeing this photo could stir up thoughts of childlike innocence and carefree times.

denotation: This is obviously a digitally altered image of a clown walking down a street with people.connotation: The digital manipulation of this image might symbolize standing out, being different, and having a sense of individuality.

denotation: The photo shows a man sitting on some steps next to a body of water.connotation: The solitude of the man could present an essence of sorrow, tranquility, or thoughtfulness, depending on the viewer's interpretation and possibly his or her own personal experiences.

denotation: The photo presents times square at night.

connotation: New Year’s Eve spent at times square, the hustle and bustle of city life, chaos, commercialization, etc.

Let’s practice

Make an imaginative leap…

Light

Darkness

Poet

Imagerythe "mental pictures" that readers

experience with a passage of literature. Imagery is not limited to visual

imagery; it also includes auditory (sound), tactile (touch), thermal (heat and cold), olfactory (smell), gustatory

(taste), and kinesthetic sensation (movement).

SymbolA word, place, character, or object

that means something beyond what it is on a literal level. In

literature, symbols can be cultural, contextual, or personal.

Fire and Ice  Some say the world will end in fire,

Some say in ice.From what I've tasted of desireI hold with those who favor fire.But if it had to perish twice,I think I know enough of hateTo say that for destruction iceIs also greatAnd would suffice.

Robert Frost

SpeakerThe narrative voice in a poem

(created by the author) that speaks of his or her situation or

feelings. Example: Eminem (author) Slim Shady (speaker)

Child

Elder

Introduction to PoetryBilly Collins

I ask them to take a poemand hold it up to the lightlike a color slideor press an ear against its hive.I say drop a mouse into a poemand watch him probe his way out,or walk inside the poem's roomand feel the walls for a light switch.I want them to waterskiacross the surface of a poemwaving at the author's name on the shore.But all they want to dois tie the poem to a chair with ropeand torture a confession out of it.They begin beating it with a hoseto find out what it really means.

End