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A brief examination about oxymoron enhancing emotion in poetry |
I have a folder full of articles/lesson plans that I wrote about poetry and some major poetic devices, "Writing Poetry Writing Tips"  [ASR]. Although I addressed using sensory words and using the right word, I didn't tie the devices with emotion. The series on Emotion in Poetry will attempt to tie them together.I have discussed how to strengthen the emotion in poetry through alliteration, metaphor and/or simile, allusion, and personification. This issue, I want to try to show how oxymoron can be an emotion enhancer. Viv   Next week's editor will be Becky Simpson   Oxymoron Oxymoron is not a way to call anyone a name. In fact, oxymoron is the poetic device meaning the use of contradictory terms (together) for effect. A Handbook to Literature states that etymologically the word means "pointedly foolish," that it brings together two contradictory terms that contrast to create sharp emphasis. Examples include cheerful pessimist, wise fool, sad joy, eloquent silence, living death, bittersweet, burning cold, glad mourning. As with any poetic device, one can use it to add to the imagery of a poem. With a bit of planning, the imagery created by oxymoron can enhance the emotion, too. Let's examine how an oxymoron can heighten the emotion of a poem. We could write the following line of poetry: The woman, so racked with pain, couldn't make a sound. Rather drab isn't it? Where's the emotion needed to make the reader "feel" her pain? Let's see what can happen with an oxymoron with the same idea: The pain left her nothing but silent screams As it twisted her body with endless agony. If you noticed, the first line also had alliteration in the oxymoron, silent screams. I actually used a variation of silent screams in a poem. "Cry for Help" Dreary, drab day pressing in on me until like gray, gloomy clouds filled to saturation, my tears overflow. I silently scream for help That never seems to come. A tiny ray of sunshine would lift the load of sorrow that threatens to swamp my sorrowing soul. Oh, for the storm to part enough to let that ray shine on me. Help me, please help me withstand this heavy, bloated burden pressing on my weary mind. Please give me relief that only You have ever brought. Wrap me in Your comfort, wrap me in Your love until I can stand and watch the sunrise break the day with joy and thanksgiving once more. copyright 2005 by Vivian Gilbert Zabel Do you think you could write poetry with real oxymorons now? Oxymoron, the use of contradictory terms for effect, can strengthen and enhance your writing. Highlighted Items The following are the best examples of items using or about oxymoron:
The next poems used other poetic devices well.
Words from Our Subscribers The August third's issue asked the question "What is each 5/7/7 unit of a sedoka called?" So many sent the correct answer that I'll just list the ones who sent the answer without another comment and give the complete feedback of those who added other information. Thank you, everyone, for causing me to award almost the complete 20,000 gift points set aside for this contest. I'm sorry that a few people didn't have the correct answer - better luck next time; please try again. najenkins MandiK~ : p Crys-not really here  joshtee Zuly b_boonstra amaiyaamir Lady Haggis is back, finally Ooh, ooh, it's katauta! kata - style or shape uta - song or poetry Little language lesson for you! Thanks for the great newsletter! Thank you for the language lesson and for the compliment. I learn much from n/l readers. The following comments, which include the correct answer, also send other comments and a few compliments - which I treasure. tamara A-ha! A test! Answer: katauta Great newsletter. I usually write free form and coming to the site means I'm exposed to all these other possibilities. You explanation of this form was truly new for me. thanks!~Tamara ldylore The answer to the question: katauta. A wonderful newsletter. I always find it informative and inspiring each week. Margaret The answer to your contest question is 'Katauta'. I love reading your newsletter! Have a lovely day, Margaret Wolf moves to Japan , Dr Taher writes again! ,and Erik Stark gave almost the exact wording for their answers:Each 5/7/7 unit of the sedoka is called a katauta. Good newsletter, thanks! windac Katauta! Very informative NL Viv - thanks for another well done issue! ~wind~ Isiliel Hi there! Beautiful newsletter! Q. What is each 5/7/7 unit of the sedoka called? A. it is called "katauta". Best regards, Isiliel Livingston-Seagull AliciaWithAY The units are called katauta. Thanks for this newsletter - I love it. I'll have to try writing a sedoka. If it works, I'll send it in. If I fall flat on my face in the attempt, I'll probably just keep it for my own personal amusement. ;>} I'm sure you'll do well. I won't tell you how many attempts I deleted.  Deelyte- Chillin' katauta? Thanks for the great information. You always bring things to this NL that I have never heard of, causing me to scramble to try it out. I've enjoyed every one. I think that's the biggest boost I have received from this site is exposure to poetry form. Good job ~~ dee Whew! Thank you, everyone. I feel great. *hopes she can be half as good as people think* 👼intuey  Hey Viv-- great NL as always. Here's the answer, though I'm quite sure 20 readers have already answered. It's called the Katauta. :) Tracey Tracey, you were number 19. You made it! mousybrown Ms. Viv, Thank you another bit of poetry form education. I always look forward to your newsletters. Janne P.S. If you want to highlight something of mine in the next poetry newsletter, feel free; your choice. Thank you, Janne. One of your items is highlighted in this issue. Nikola~Thankful Library Lady  This NL is inspiring. I've grown stagnant in my writing and perhaps a new form would be a good challenge! ~Nikola Thank you so much for the encouraging challenge (to keep the NL interesting, helpful, etc.). billwilcox Vivy, You know, when you get to be as old as we are *laugh* you can't help but notice that our writing is all that we'll leave behind for people to remember us by. It is my impression that you will be remembered quite fondly. Thanks for the great newsletter! I've always loved Neil Sedaka. W.D.  @ Bill. Leave it to you to come up with a pun. Hmmm . . . wonder how many people caught it?John~Ashen hrm, even if you found only 3 items in the format, you should feature a total of 6-10 items. try filling in the extra spaces with poetry contests or links to poetry references. Thank you, John for reminding me when I neglect to do my duty. jehlirose I have yet to post any of my works. I have been reading the works of others and have thoroughly been enjoying myself. I have written many poems. Some are rather lengthy. I am wondering if you have a line or word limit. I am also worried about my work staying mine and mine alone. Tell me about copyright on this site, please. Everything a writer creates, becomes a part of themselves. Each of my creations is a little part of me and I don't ever want to lose them. Whether this makes sense to you, I do not know. Please reply. Thank you. Sincerely, Rose Newly (Pen name) Rose, I'll try to answer your concerns. I'm not an expert on copyright, but I know that except for obtaining a government copyright (which is the best and highest protection possible), posting work on W.Com gives you as much copyright protection as anything can. The absolutely only way to avoid anyone from ever taking any of our ideas or work is not ever to share it with anyone in any fashion. As far as length, people post poems containing all numbers of lines, from three lines to multiple stanzas. I hope you will share some of your work with us soon. This issue's question/contest: What is an oxymoron? Please send your answer in the text box at the end of the newsletter. The first twenty "correct" answers win 1,000 gift points each. Until next time, continue reading and writing beautiful poetry. Vivian  |
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