IGCSE English Poetry Notes
These notes are designed for English Literature students preparing for poetry analysis,
coursework, and exams.
1. What Is Poetry?
Poetry is a form of writing that uses:
• Imagery
• Sound
• Rhythm
• Structure
• Figurative language
to express ideas, emotions, experiences, or stories.
Poets carefully choose words to create deeper meanings and emotional effects.
2. Main Purposes of Poetry
Poetry may aim to:
• Express emotions
• Tell a story
• Explore human experiences
• Criticize society
• Celebrate nature/love/culture
• Reflect memories or identity
• Create strong imagery and feelings
3. Key Poetry Terms (Very Important)
A. Imagery
Imagery creates pictures in the reader’s mind.
, Types of imagery
Type Meaning Example
Visual Sight “Golden sunlight filled the valley”
Auditory Sound “The whispering wind”
Tactile Touch “Cold, rough stone”
Olfactory Smell “The scent of rain”
Gustatory Taste “Sweet honey”
Why poets use imagery
• Makes poems vivid
• Creates atmosphere
• Helps readers connect emotionally
B. Figurative Language
1. Simile
Comparison using like or as.
Example:
“Her smile was like the sun.”
Effect:
• Makes descriptions clearer and stronger
2. Metaphor
Direct comparison without “like” or “as”.
Example:
“Time is a thief.”
Effect:
• Creates deeper meaning
These notes are designed for English Literature students preparing for poetry analysis,
coursework, and exams.
1. What Is Poetry?
Poetry is a form of writing that uses:
• Imagery
• Sound
• Rhythm
• Structure
• Figurative language
to express ideas, emotions, experiences, or stories.
Poets carefully choose words to create deeper meanings and emotional effects.
2. Main Purposes of Poetry
Poetry may aim to:
• Express emotions
• Tell a story
• Explore human experiences
• Criticize society
• Celebrate nature/love/culture
• Reflect memories or identity
• Create strong imagery and feelings
3. Key Poetry Terms (Very Important)
A. Imagery
Imagery creates pictures in the reader’s mind.
, Types of imagery
Type Meaning Example
Visual Sight “Golden sunlight filled the valley”
Auditory Sound “The whispering wind”
Tactile Touch “Cold, rough stone”
Olfactory Smell “The scent of rain”
Gustatory Taste “Sweet honey”
Why poets use imagery
• Makes poems vivid
• Creates atmosphere
• Helps readers connect emotionally
B. Figurative Language
1. Simile
Comparison using like or as.
Example:
“Her smile was like the sun.”
Effect:
• Makes descriptions clearer and stronger
2. Metaphor
Direct comparison without “like” or “as”.
Example:
“Time is a thief.”
Effect:
• Creates deeper meaning
