Objective
By the end of this lesson, Dayna will understand the structure and themes of a villanelle, and will create her own original villanelle, enhancing her poetic skills and creativity.
Materials and Prep
- Notebook or writing paper
- Pens or pencils
- Quiet space for writing
Before the lesson, familiarize yourself with the basic structure of a villanelle, including its 19 lines divided into five tercets followed by a quatrain, and the rhyme scheme (ABA ABA ABA ABAA).
Activities
-
Introduction to Villanelle: Start with a brief overview of what a villanelle is. Read a famous example, like Dylan Thomas's "Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night," and discuss its themes and emotional impact.
-
Structure Breakdown: Work together to break down the structure of the villanelle. Create a visual diagram showing the rhyme scheme and how the lines repeat.
-
Writing Exercise: Encourage Dayna to brainstorm themes or emotions she wants to express. Guide her in writing her own villanelle, focusing on the repetition of lines and maintaining the rhyme scheme.
-
Peer Review: Once Dayna has a draft, have her read it aloud. Discuss what works well and any areas for improvement, focusing on imagery, emotion, and adherence to the villanelle form.
Talking Points
- "A villanelle is a unique form of poetry that uses repetition and a specific rhyme scheme. It can create a powerful emotional effect."
- "The first and third lines of the first stanza are repeated alternately at the end of the following stanzas and both are repeated at the end of the poem."
- "Think about a strong emotion or theme you want to explore. The best villanelles often revolve around love, loss, or nature."
- "As you write, don’t be afraid to play with language. The repetition can help emphasize your message."
- "Reading your poem aloud is a great way to hear how it flows. Poetry is meant to be heard as much as it is meant to be read."