Unit – 1

What is Poetry?
Poetry is a type of literature that conveys a thought, describes a scene or tells a
story in a concentrated, lyrical arrangement of words. Poems can be structured,
with rhyming lines and meter, the rhythm and emphasis of a line based on
syllabic beats. Poems can also be freeform, which follows no formal structure.
Characteristics of poetry
 Imaginative
 Creative
 Descriptive and vivid language that often has an economical or
condensed use of words chosen for their sound and meaning
 Meaning is enhanced by recalling memories of related experiences in the
reader or listener
 Provokes thought
 Causes an emotional response: laughter, happy, sad …
 Uses figurative language (personification, similies, methaphors...)
 Imagery where the reader/listener creates vivid mental images
 Often has rhythm and rhyme
 Often includes words and phrases that have a pattern made with rhythm
and rhyme.
 Story in verse
 Can have physical and grammatical arrangement of words usually
enhance the reader's overall experience

The basic building block of a poem is known as verse. A stanza is a grouping of

lines related to the same thought or topic, similar to a paragraph in prose. A
stanza can be subdivided based on the number of lines it contains. For example,
a couplet is a stanza with two lines.
What Is Meter in Poetry?
A poem can contain many elements to give it structure. Rhyme is perhaps the
most common of these elements: countless poetic works, from limericks to epic
poems to pop lyrics, contain rhymes. But equally important is meter, which
imposes specific length and emphasis on a given line of poetry.
What Is a Stanza?
In poetry, a stanza is used to describe the main building block of a poem. It is a
unit of poetry composed of lines that relate to a similar thought or topic—like a
paragraph in prose or a verse in a song. Every stanza in a poem has its own
concept and serves a unique purpose. A stanza may be arranged according to
rhyming patterns and meters—the syllabic beats of a line. It can also be a free-
flowing verse that has no formal structure.
What Is a Rhyme Scheme?
There are many different types of rhymes that poets use in their work: internal
rhymes, slant rhymes, eye rhymes, identical rhymes, and more. One of the most
common ways to write a rhyming poem is to use a rhyme scheme composed of
shared vowel sounds or consonants.
Types of Poetic Forms
1. 1. Blank verse. Blank verse is poetry written with a precise meter—
almost always iambic pentameter—that does not rhyme.
2. 2. Rhymed poetry. In contrast to blank verse, rhymed poems rhyme by
definition, although their scheme varies.
3. 3. Free verse. Free verse poetry is poetry that lacks a consistent rhyme
scheme, metrical pattern, or musical form.
4. 4. Epics. An epic poem is a lengthy, narrative work of poetry. These long
poems typically detail extraordinary feats and adventures of characters
from a distant past.
5. 5. Narrative poetry. Similar to an epic, a narrative poem tells a story.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s “The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere” and
Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” exemplify
this form.
Pastoral poetry. A pastoral poem is one that concerns the natural world, rural
life, and landscapes. These poems have persevered from Ancient Greece (in the
poetry of Hesiod) to Ancient Rome (Virgil) to the present day (Gary Snyder)
Sonnet. A sonnet is a 14 line poem, typically (but not exclusively) concerning
the topic of love. Sonnets contain internal rhymes within their 14 lines; the
exact rhyme scheme depends on the style of a sonnet.
Types of Sonnets
Two sonnet forms provide the models from which all other sonnets are formed:
the Petrarchan and the Shakespearean.
Petrarchan Sonnet
The first and most common sonnet is the Petrarchan, or Italian. Named after one
of its greatest practitioners, the Italian poet Petrarch, the Petrarchan sonnet is
divided into two stanzas, the octave (the first eight lines) followed by the
answering sestet (the final six lines). The tightly woven rhyme
scheme, abba, abba, cdecde, or cdcdcd, is suited for the rhyme-rich Italian
language, though there are many fine examples in English. Since the Petrarchan
presents an argument, observation, question, or some other answerable charge in
the octave, a turn, or volta, occurs between the eighth and ninth lines. This turn
marks a shift in the direction of the foregoing argument or narrative, turning the
sestet into the vehicle for the counterargument, clarification, or whatever answer
the octave demands.
Sir Thomas Wyatt introduced the Petrarchan sonnet to England in the early
sixteenth century. His famed translations of Petrarch’s sonnets, as well as his
own sonnets, drew fast attention to the form. Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, a
contemporary of Wyatt’s, whose own translations of Petrarch are considered
more faithful to the original though less fine to the ear, modified the Petrarchan,
thus establishing the structure that became known as the Shakespearean sonnet.
This structure has been noted to lend itself much better to the comparatively
rhyme-poor English language.
Shakespearean Sonnet
The second major type of sonnet, the Shakespearean, or English sonnet, follows
a different set of rules. Here, three quatrains and a couplet follow this rhyme
scheme: abab, cdcd, efef, gg. The couplet plays a pivotal role, usually arriving
in the form of a conclusion, amplification, or even refutation of the previous
three stanzas, often creating an epiphanic quality to the end.

Elegies. An elegy is a poem that reflects upon death or loss. Traditionally, it

contains themes of mourning, loss, and reflection. However, it can also explore
themes of redemption and consolation.
 Ode. Much like an elegy, an ode is a tribute to its subject, although the subject
need not be dead—or even sentient, as in John Keats’ “Ode on a Grecian Urn”
Ballad. A ballad (or ballade) is a form of narrative verse that can be either
poetic or musical. It typically follows a pattern of rhymed quatrains. From John
Keats to Samuel Taylor Coleridge to Bob Dylan, it represents a melodious form
of storytelling.
What Is the Difference Between Blank Verse and Free Verse Poetry?
Free verse poetry has been popular from the nineteenth century onward and is
not bound by rules regarding rhyme or meter. Blank verse poetry came of age in
the sixteenth century and has been famously employed by the likes of William
Shakespeare, John Milton, William Wordsworth, and countless others. Unlike
free verse, it adheres to a strong metrical pattern.

What is a dramatic monologue?

Dramatic monologue refers to a type of poetry. These poems are dramatic in the
sense that they have a theatrical quality; that is, the poem is meant to be read to
an audience. To say that the poem is a monologue means that these are the
words of one solitary speaker with no dialogue coming from any other
characters. Think of one person standing alone on a stage speaking to an
audience. Certainly, you are part of that audience, but the poem usually implies
that the speaker is mainly talking to a specific person(s).
The reason poets choose to write poems like this is to express a point of view
through the words of a character. However, the tricky part is that often the
opinions stated by that character are not the same as the views of the poet. Most
of the time, the speaker is trying to convince someone of something, and may or
may not be telling the whole truth. Sometimes what the speaker doesn't say is
just as revealing and interesting as what he or she does say in the poem.

UNIT-2
What is Drama?
Drama is a captivating literary genre that is brought to life through
performance. With its roots tracing back to the Greek word 'dran,' meaning 'to
do' or 'to act,' drama encompasses a wide range of artistic expressions. It delves
into the complexities of human emotions, intertwining the lives of characters in
a web of conflicts and resolutions. Through compelling narratives and vivid
portrayals, drama not only entertains but also stimulates deep contemplation and
introspection.
It offers a unique platform for exploring the human condition and shedding light
on the diverse facets of the human experience. Whether on stage or screen, the
power of drama lies in its ability to transport audiences into different worlds,
allowing them to witness the triumphs, tragedies, and intricacies of life unfold
before their eyes.
Types of Drama
 Tragedy
 Comedy
 Melodrama
 Farce
 Musical

Drama — a rich and varied history

The history of drama is woven with threads from many civilizations,
cultures, and time periods. Its evolution is a fascinating journey that traces
the path of human societal progression.

Ancient Origins
Drama has a fascinating and diverse history that can be traced back to the
ancient civilizations of the world. Greek drama, considered one of the
earliest forms of drama emerged as a powerful medium intertwined with
religious ceremonies, captivating audiences with its mythical and
moral themes.
Renaissance Leap
During the Renaissance, a remarkable leap occurred in the realm of drama.
Playwrights such as William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe emerged
onto the scene. They made profound contributions that forever shaped and
elevated the genre. Their works captivated audiences with their eloquent
language, intricate plots, and profound exploration of human emotions.
Through their masterful storytelling, they transported audiences to worlds both
familiar and fantastical, leaving an indelible mark on the history of theater. The
Renaissance became a golden age for drama, thanks to the artistic brilliance and
creative ingenuity of these celebrated playwrights.
Evolution and Movements
Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, drama underwent an intriguing
evolution, propelled by influential artistic movements that sought to capture the
essence of societal changes and delve into the depths of human psychology.
The emergence of Realism, with its emphasis on depicting life as it truly is,
provided a stark contrast to the fantastical realm of Surrealism, which explored
the subconscious and challenged conventional notions of reality.
These dramatic movements, in their distinct ways, pushed the boundaries of
theatrical expression, leaving an indelible mark on the artistic landscape of their
time.
Types of Drama.
Tragedy
Tragedy showcases the protagonist's downfall, evoking strong emotions of pity
and fear. One notable example is Shakespeare's Hamlet, where the tragic
hero's quest for revenge leads to a series of tragic events. In many instances, the
hero is plagued with a tragic flaw (also known as hamartia) that directly leads to
this downfall.
Comedy
Comedy offers light-hearted plots with humorous outcomes. It aims to entertain
and bring joy to the audience. A classic example is Oscar Wilde's The
Importance of Being Earnest, a witty and satirical play that explores mistaken
identities and societal conventions.
Melodrama
Many wonder what is the difference in drama vs melodrama and how what
distinguishes each. Melodrama exaggerates characters and emotions, creating
intense and dramatic situations. It often includes exaggerated gestures and
passionate dialogue.
A famous melodramatic example is Gone with the Wind, a sweeping epic set
during the American Civil War, filled with love, betrayal, and sacrifice.
Farce
Farce relies on slapstick humor and absurd situations to generate laughter. It
often involves mistaken identities, misunderstandings, and chaotic events. One
well-known farce is Michael Frayn's Noises Off, a play within a play that
hilariously depicts the backstage antics of a dysfunctional theater troupe.
Historical Drama
Historical dramas depict events from the past, bringing significant moments in
history to life on the stage. An example is Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton,
which tells the story of Alexander Hamilton and the founding of the United
States through a combination of hip-hop, R&B, and traditional musical theater.
Musical Drama
Musical dramas use singing and dancing to enhance the storytelling experience.
They combine music, lyrics, and choreography to convey emotions and advance
the plot. One iconic musical drama is Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of
the Opera, a haunting love story set in the Paris Opera House.
Each type of drama offers a unique narrative style and provides audiences with
diverse and captivating theatrical experiences.