Affixes and Context Clues in Poetry

Affixes

• Affixes modify root words by changing their meaning or grammatical function.
• Prefixes: Added to the beginning (e.g., "un-" in "unhappy").
• Suffixes: Added to the end, serving various grammatical purposes, including verb conjugation, pluralization, possession, comparatives, and changing word class (e.g., "swim" to "swimmer").
• Infixes: Inserted into the middle of a word, not commonly used in English but present in languages like Tagalog.
• Circumfixes: Combine prefixes and suffixes simultaneously, rare in English, with examples like "enlighten" and "embolden".

Context Clues in Poetry

• Context clues assist in understanding unfamiliar words within poems through surrounding text.
• Types of Context Clues:
  • Definition Clues: Direct definitions in proximity to difficult words.
  • Synonym Clues: Similar words are used to clarify meaning.
  • Antonym Clues: Opposite words provide contrast to reveal meaning.
  • Example Clues: Specific examples explain difficult terms.
  • Explanation Clues: Detailed descriptions enhance understanding.

Basic Elements of Poetry

• Structure and Form: Forms of poetry show specific structures.
• Rhyme: Repetitive sound patterns in poetry enhance musicality.
• Rhyme Scheme: Patterns at verse endings, identified with letters (AABB, ABAB).
• Meter: Patterns of stressed and unstressed syllables create rhythm.
• Poetic Diction: Distinctive language of poetry, varies from formal to colloquial.
• Tone: Author's attitude toward the subject.
• Mood: Emotional atmosphere evoked in the reader.
• Style: Unique voice via word choice and sentence structure.
• Motif: Recurring elements that emphasize themes.

Poetic Structure

• Stanzas: Groupings of lines, defined by types:
  • Couplet: 2 lines
  • Tercet: 3 lines
  • Quatrain: 4 lines
  • Sestet: 6 lines
  • Septet: 7 lines
  • Octave: 8 lines
• Poetry Forms: Common forms include haiku, free verse, sonnet, and limerick.

Rhyme and Meter

• Rhyme Schemes: Identified by patterns in lines which can include couplets, alternating rhyme, enclosed rhyme, and monorhyme.
• Meter: The rhythmic structure based on syllable patterns.

Literary Devices

• Imagery: Vivid descriptive language appealing to the senses.
• Metaphor: Direct comparisons without "like" or "as."
• Simile: Comparisons using "like" or "as."
• Personification: Assigning human traits to inanimate objects or concepts.
• Symbolism: Use of symbols to convey deeper meanings.
• Alliteration: Repetition of initial consonant sounds.

Key Definitions

• Character: Integral figures in narratives.
• Conflict: Main struggles faced by protagonists.
• Context: Influences understanding based on surrounding words and themes.
• Diction: Word choice based on writing style and audience.
• Society: Organized groups sharing common decisions and responsibilities.
• Poetry: Literary form emphasizing emotional responses through language.
• Prose: Unmetered writing that follows grammatical rules, commonly found in novels and essays.