The Art of Poetry: Narrative and Poetic Devices

In this essay I want to explore the world of poetry and delve into why two particular poems should be chosen for the upcoming poetry speaking contest. The selected poems are 'The Man from Ironbark' by Banjo Paterson and 'He Started the Cycling Craze' by myself. These poems not only offer engaging narratives but also showcase a range of poetic devices that make them deserving contenders for the contest.

The Power of Narrative

Narratives in poetry serve as vital threads that weave together the emotions, thoughts, and experiences of both the poet and the reader.

They provide a canvas on which poets can paint vivid stories that resonate with their audience. 'The Man from Ironbark' and 'He Started the Cycling Craze' exemplify the potency of narratives in poetry, allowing readers to connect with the characters and situations presented in these verses.

The narrative in 'The Man from Ironbark' revolves around a man's quest to have his beard shaved by a barber.

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However, his visit to the barber takes an unexpected turn when he becomes convinced that the barber intends to harm him. This storyline engages the reader's imagination and curiosity, making them eager to unravel the unfolding events.

On the other hand, 'He Started the Cycling Craze' narrates the tale of a man's decision to purchase a bicycle, leading to a comical series of misadventures. This narrative takes the reader on a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, evoking both laughter and empathy. The power of storytelling lies in its ability to captivate the audience, and both of these poems do just that.

The Art of Descriptive Detail

Effective narratives in poetry are often accompanied by detailed descriptions of characters and settings, allowing readers to vividly visualize the scenes and emotions portrayed. These descriptions act as windows into the poet's world, enhancing the reader's connection to the poem. Let's explore how both 'The Man from Ironbark' and 'He Started the Cycling Craze' employ descriptive detail.

In 'The Man from Ironbark,' Banjo Paterson skillfully paints a picture of the barber: "The barber man was small and flash, as barbers mostly are, He wore a strike-your-fancy sash, he smoked a huge cigar." This vivid portrayal enables readers to imagine the barber's appearance, demeanor, and even his quirks. Paterson's description even includes a touch of humor, making the character more relatable and memorable.

Similarly, in 'He Started the Cycling Craze,' descriptive detail plays a crucial role. The poem recounts the protagonist's misadventures while riding his newly acquired bicycle. Lines such as "and almost being stung by a big fat bee" and "nearly at the lake he had to swerve a car" provide readers with a clear mental image of the challenges and mishaps faced by the cyclist. These descriptions not only enhance the humor but also enable readers to empathize with the character's experiences.

Exploring Poetic Devices

Poetry is an art form that thrives on the creative use of language, and poets employ various poetic devices to enrich their verses. These devices add depth, rhythm, and emotion to the poems, creating a more engaging and immersive experience for the reader. Let's delve into the poetic devices employed in both 'The Man from Ironbark' and 'He Started the Cycling Craze.'

In 'The Man from Ironbark,' Banjo Paterson masterfully incorporates a range of poetic devices, including rhyme, rhythm, repetition, imagery, alliteration, and metaphors. The poem follows a rhyme scheme of aabbcc, creating a pleasing and memorable cadence. The rhythm of the poem is shaped by this rhyme scheme, enhancing its overall flow.

Alliteration is evident in lines such as "upon the newly shaven skin it made a livid mark" and "brow grew black," adding a musical quality to the verses. Paterson's use of metaphors is clever, as he likens the barber to a dog, adding a touch of humor and irony to the poem. Furthermore, imagery abounds in the poem, particularly in the descriptions of the barber and the man from Ironbark. These poetic devices collectively contribute to the poem's charm and entertainment value.

In 'He Started the Cycling Craze,' poetic devices are also skillfully utilized. The poem employs a rhyme scheme of abba, enhancing its rhythmic quality. The rhythm created by the rhyme scheme mirrors the cycling motion described in the poem, adding a layer of thematic resonance.

Alliteration makes an appearance in lines such as "and almost being stung by a big fat bee," where the repeated 'b' sounds emphasize the humorous nature of the situation. Additionally, imagery is prevalent in the poem, especially when depicting the cyclist's escapades. These poetic devices work in harmony to make the poem both entertaining and relatable to the reader.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the art of poetry is a multifaceted realm where narratives, descriptive details, and poetic devices converge to create an immersive and captivating experience for readers. 'The Man from Ironbark' by Banjo Paterson and 'He Started the Cycling Craze' by myself exemplify the power of storytelling through poetry. These two poems deserve consideration for the poetry speaking contest due to their ability to engage and entertain readers while showcasing a range of poetic techniques.

The narratives in both poems draw readers into the worlds they depict, evoking curiosity and empathy. Whether it's the man from Ironbark's barber mishap or the cyclist's comedic journey, these stories resonate with audiences, making them relatable and memorable.