Conflict and War

Types of Poetry

Satire 
A poem that attacks human vice or folly. Makes humour of an aspect of human nature through irony or wit. 
Sonnet 
A 14 line poem with a fixed rhyme pattern. 
Ballad 
A narrative poem, often meant to be sung. From folk origin consisting of simple stanzas and a repetitive chorus or refrain. 
Elegy 
A mournful poem or song, that laments the loss of something. For example someone's life, a favourite thing. 
Limerick 
A humorous, sometimes nonsensical verse. It often begins with 'There once was...'. Has the rhyme scheme aabba. 

© Ministry of Education, Wellington, New Zealand (First published 1998)