Here's a breakdown of what to consider:
For Poems:
* Form:
* Free Verse: No set rhyme or meter.
* Sonnet: 14 lines, specific rhyme scheme and meter (e.g., Shakespearean, Italian).
* Haiku: 5-7-5 syllable structure.
* Limerick: 5-line humorous poem with specific rhyme scheme.
* Ode: A formal poem addressing a specific subject.
* Ballad: A narrative poem often telling a story of love or loss.
* Stanza: A group of lines forming a unit within a poem.
* Line Breaks: Where the lines end and create a visual effect.
* Rhyme Scheme: The pattern of rhyming words.
* Meter: The rhythm created by the arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables.
For Stories:
* Plot: The sequence of events, including exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
* Characters: The people (or beings) in the story and their development.
* Setting: The time and place where the story takes place.
* Point of View: The perspective from which the story is told (e.g., first person, third person, omniscient).
* Theme: The underlying message or idea the story conveys.
* Conflict: The central problem or struggle that drives the plot.
* Structure:
* Chronological: Events are presented in the order they happen.
* Non-Linear: Events may be presented out of order, using flashbacks or flash-forwards.
* Framing: A story within a story.
In general, describing the structure involves:
* Identifying the key elements: Form, stanzas, plot, characters, etc.
* Explaining how these elements work together: How does the rhyme scheme enhance the meaning? How does the non-linear structure affect the reader's understanding?
* Discussing the effect of the structure on the overall meaning and impact of the work.
Remember: Analyzing the structure of a poem or story is not about simply listing its elements; it's about understanding how these elements contribute to its meaning and aesthetic effect.