Adjectives In Poetry

What is an Adjective?

Adjectives are a part of speech. They are words that describe a noun (person, place, or thing). They are usually right before the noun they are describing.

Why use Adjectives in Poetry?

Using adjectives gives a reader a clearer picture of what the author is trying to say.

For example, take the sentence. "The rabbit hopped down the hill." We know there is a rabbit hopping down the hill. But we don't know the size or color of the rabbit. We also don't know what the hill is like.

Adding adjectives will greatly improve the sentence. "The small, brown speckled rabbit hopped down the steep, grassy hill."

While poetry might not use long sentences, adjectives are still very important. Using them appropriately will help readers have a better picture in their minds.

Examples of Adjectives being used in sentences

Here are some simple examples of phrases/sentences before and after adjectives were added:

• The sky. vs. The dark night sky.
• Her face showed sadness. vs. Her pale face showed sadness.
• The dog barked. vs. The enormous black dog barked.
• My eyes lit up. vs. My piercing blue eyes lit up.

Examples of poems that use adjectives effectively

• Can Earth Be Earth?
• My Melody
• Christmas Bells
  
• Seasons