Learning the Secrets of English Verse: The Keys to the Treasure Chest

This textbook is a comprehensive guide to writing poetry, covering major verse forms and stanza forms in English. It provides students with the tools to compose successful lines of poetry and emphasizes the importance of meter, rhythm, rhyme, and other literary devices. With examples from both past and present poets and structured opportunities for experimentation, the book aims to teach students the craft of poetry and help them appreciate and write their own works.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 293 pages
Publication date: 02 July 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive textbook delves into the art of poetry writing by exploring a wide range of verse forms and stanza patterns in English. It serves as a valuable resource for students seeking to master the craft of composing successful lines of poetry, emphasizing the importance of meter, rhythm, rhyme, and various other literary tools. Presented with an abundance of examples from renowned poets of the past and present, along with numerous recent student works, each chapter offers insights into poetic history and the practice of writing verse, providing students with a structured platform to experiment with various forms discussed.

In Part 1, Rothman and Spear commence their journey by delving into the origins of English poetry, focusing on Anglo-Saxon Strong Stress Alliterative Meter. They meticulously examine every major meter in English, including free verse forms that have emerged in modern and contemporary poetry. This section provides a solid foundation for students to understand the structural elements that shape poetry.

Part 2 takes students on a journey of stanza form exploration, progressing from the simplicity of couplets to the complexity of the 14-line Eugene Onegin stanza. Rothman and Spear meticulously analyze the various stanza patterns, highlighting their historical significance and their impact on the artistic expression of poetry. By studying these stanza forms, students gain a deeper understanding of the rhythmic and melodic aspects of poetry, enabling them to appreciate and create their own works.

The primary objective of this textbook is to equip students with the essential skills necessary to analyze and compose poetry in English. By studying the major meters and verse forms, students develop a keen ear for the nuances and intricacies of poetic language. They learn to appreciate the craftsmanship and artistry that go into creating a poem, enabling them to produce their own original works that reflect their unique perspectives and emotions.

This textbook is highly suitable for high school students and beyond, as it offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum that fosters a deep appreciation for poetry. Whether students are aspiring poets or simply enthusiasts of literary art, this book provides a valuable guide for unlocking the secrets of poetic composition and enjoyment.

I have had the privilege of studying under the guidance.

Weight: 498g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030530952
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022