Home > Subjects > English > English level 3 > 3.2 Written text(s) > Subject content > Poetry
- Subject: English
- AS: 90721
- Level: 3
- Credits: 3
- External
3.2 Respond critically to written text(s) studied
Poetry
Typically poetry focuses more on the intensity of the language and the ideas expressed than on character, plot, and setting. Poetic language is crafted and manipulated deliberately for maximum impact in as few words as possible. Often language is used in unconventional ways to present ideas of universal significance or to create subtle shades of meaning. The poem is crafted so that every element has a specific function, to present and support the writer’s ideas in an interesting and appropriate way. For this reason it is important that your critical response to each text is very thorough and detailed.
In the examination you must discuss at least TWO poems you have studied. In addition to all the major aspects of literature, examination questions may ask you to focus on the characteristics of the poetry genre, to compare and contrast texts, or how techniques such as figurative language, symbolism, or structure have been used to present ideas in the text(s).
For general help see:
For help with a specific poet see:
- Bibliomania and search for your poet here.
- New Zealand Electronic poetry centre
- New Zealand Writers
- Canterbury Writers
- The Whitsun Weddings – Philip Larkin
For help with James K Baxter see:
- Extended Biography
- Questioning The Poem – The Poem As Cultural Artifact
- Scroll down to "exemplars (RTF 22KB)" for a comparison of two James K Baxter poems.
