Writing personal, or subjective, and impersonal, or objective, poetry |
Personal/Impersonal Poetry (or Subjective/Objective Poetry) by Vivian Gilbert Zabel Goal: This exercise helps writers to understand the difference between personal (subjective) and impersonal (objective) point of view (This can help writers understand the concept in any type of writing.) NOTE: Personal poetry uses first and second person. Impersonal poetry uses only third person. Materials needed: sample list of sensory words poetry devices list examples of personal and impersonal poetry Directions: 1. Read both versions on example handout. 2. Consider the similarities. 3. Consider the differences. 4. Find devices used in poems. 5. Write group personal/subjective poem on board. 6. Consider ways to make group poem impersonal Assignment: Write a personal/subjective poem and a impersonal/objective poem 1. Write a personal poem of six lines or more. Use at least four devices other than enjambement and caesura. 2. Revise poem to create an impersonal version. 3. Make a final copy of each. Examples of Personal (Subjective) and Impersonal (Objective) Poetry Personal/subjective poem: Where Are You? Where are you? Your mind meanders meaninglessly Through mazes I cannot find, While eyes stare sightlessly at some void Beyond where I can see. I strain to hear the voiceless music Your fingers drum accompaniment. Your daydreaming is a living death That I am unable to share. (poetry devices used: alliteration, personification, oxymoron, metaphor, enjambement) Impersonal/objective poem: Where Is Anyone? Where is anyone? Minds meander meaninglessly Through mazes unfound. Eyes stare sightlessly at some void Beyond where anyone can see. Straining to hear voiceless music, Restless fingers drum accompaniment. Daydreams become a living death That no one can share. {poetry devices used: alliteration, personification, metaphor, oxymoron, enjambement) |