Odes are not intended to be written for the world in general.

They evolved as part of the social role of the poet,

described by New Zealand writer and critic C.K Stead as the channel of collective feeling, the packages of
myth, wisdom and history. (Answering To the Language. Auckland: Auckland University Press, 1989).
If for the moment you are not inclined to speak to your community or political leaders, try addressing your ode
to one person, perhaps a family member, someone whose opinion you would value. Maybe you could address
on objectapostrophe style.
To write an ode, you need only to address an intended audience; write in praise of something and link
your thoughts to a bigger or universal theme. Another characteristic of odes is the use of elevated
language.
Poems of Praise
You may, of course, choose to compose a high poem in the classical or romantic tradition praising a
war hero or a mountain-top at sunrise. But modern odes can also have more mundane subjects. The
great Chilean poet and leader Pablo Neruda wrote the Ode to My Suit. Among New Zealand poet Ian
Weddes Commonplace Odes, are To the Cookbook and To the Korean Pug Dog.
Speak the Truth
Even a poem about a suit can connect with universal themes: in the case of Nerudas work, with life
and death, violence in society, the reasons he wrote poetry. Baxter wrote, We have a greater need of
prophets than we have of mechanics; and Stead remarked that while Keats wrote about beauty, he
did so for the sake of the truth it bodied forth.
We are taking a lesson from Keats and using the following structure:
3 stanzas/11 lines each
Iambic pentameter (5 feet, 10 syllables)
A rhyme scheme (of your choosing)

http://www.libraryofpoetry.com

Assignment: Write an Ode

Ode Requirements:

3 stanzas/11 lines each

Iambic pentameter (5 feet, 10 syllables)
A rhyme scheme (of your choosing)

At least 1 example each of a simile, metaphor, and personification 5 examples of figurative language total. (For instance,
you can have 2 similes, 2 metaphors, and 1 example of personification).
Your ode should convey a high degree of intensity toward the subject (use hyperbole to achieve a dramatic, passionate tone)
Should reflect purposes and characteristics of an ode
Remember poets very deliberately pick just the right word and image for each line of their poems there is a purpose for each
word in the poem. Your ode should reflect this.
Ode Rubric
Performance
Indicators

Outstanding 8-6

Passing 5-3

Needs Further Development 2-0

Content

The ode develops one subject fully,

expanding the readers understanding
of its role in the speakers life.

The ode focuses on one subject.

The ode is about an emotion or object.

Literary
Devices

FORM

The speaker communicates a range of

emotions and thoughts about the
subject.

The speaker communicates strong

emotion about the subject.

The speaker uses a range of literary

devices to develop the readers
understanding of the subject and its
importance (personification, metaphor,
simile, repetition).

The speaker uses one or more

literary devices to communicate
emotion.

3 stanzas/11 lines each

Iambic pentameter
Rhyme scheme

DUE: MONDAY
24 points

The speaker does not convey the

importance of the subject.

The speaker may not use any literary

devices or may use devices that do not
communicate emotion about or develop
understanding of the subject.

Poet:______________________________ Editor: ______________________________

Does your partners ode have?
Check the box if it does
3 stanzas/11 lines each

Iambic pentameter (5 feet, 10 syllables)

Simile

Metaphor

Personification

2 other examples of imagery

Label the rhyme scheme
Poet:______________________________ Editor: ______________________________
Does your partners ode have?
Check the box if it does
3 stanzas/11 lines each

Iambic pentameter (5 feet, 10 syllables)

Simile

Metaphor

Personification

2 other examples of imagery

Label the rhyme scheme