(DC) Lesson Topic 3: Dramatic Poems

A dramatic poem is a poem in which the speaker is clearly someone other than the poet. Sometimes the poet uses dialogue, in which more than one character speaks. Let's look at an example of dramatic poetry.

Please read "Incident in a Rose Garden" Links to an external site. by Donald Justice.

This poem utilizes personification throughout. What is being personified in this poem? "Incident in a Rose Garden" does not have rhyme or rhythm. What type of poem is this called? What does death look like in this poem? There is a simile at the end of line three comparing two things. What two things are compared? Why does the gardener run away from death? Irony of a situation occurs when something unexpected happens. Why is the end of this poem an example of situational irony?

Asking questions such as the ones above will help you to determine the meaning of a poem. Remember that poems are supposed to be heard as well, so try reading a poem out loud if you are having trouble understanding the meaning or the message behind the poem.

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