Narrative Poetry

Poetry Description:

A narrative poem is a poem that tells a story. It can either rhyme or be unrhymed, fiction or non-fiction. Most narrative poems are broken up into stanzas. It should contain a plot, characterization, setting, and theme. Thus, it contains all the elements of the short story.

Applications for History Class:

This is a challenging poem that could describe an historical event or experience. This poem usually rhymes, but the rhyme scheme is usually left up to the student. The student may want to recite this as a rap, or perform the poem with other students.

Directions:


In your mind, create a short story. Think about the characters, plot, setting, and theme. Think of how the plot could be broken up into small sections. You may want to think of repeating a line, lines or stanza for effect. Then, write the poem, revise, and edit. This type of poem can be very challenging, so the length may be quite long.

Sample: 


For good examples, read:


“The Highwayman,” by Alfred Noyes
.

“Casey at the Bat,” by Ernest Thayer.


“The Cremation of Sam McGee,” by Robert Service.

“The Charge of the Light Brigade,” by Lord Alfred Tennyson.

“The Night before Christmas,” by Clement Clarke Moore.