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UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS OF POETRY

 

The Villanelle
The villanelle is a complicated form that has a clyclical feeling. Students are able to comprehend the importance of this form in its relation to content.

Aim: Introduction to The Villanelle

Objective: Students will be able to understand the structure of the villanelle and write about its tone and theme.

Procedure:

  1. Hand out Villanelle worksheet.
  2. Read introduction to the villanelle.
  3. Ask two students to read the poem, The Waking by Theodore Roethke, aloud.
  4. Answer questions as a class. See sample completed worksheet.
  5. Students should write explication of the poem in class or for HW.
  6. Note to Teacher: Students should be able to feel the cyclical motion of the villanelle and understand that topics expressed in such poems often are related to this idea.