1. Figurative Language: This is where poetry shines! It uses metaphors, similes, personification, and other literary devices to create imagery and evoke emotions. This sets it apart from straightforward prose.
2. Sound Devices: Poetry plays with sound! It uses rhyme, rhythm, alliteration, assonance, and other techniques to create a musical effect and enhance the overall impact of the poem.
3. Structure: Poetry often has a distinct structure, such as stanzas, lines, and specific rhyme schemes. This structure can contribute to the rhythm, flow, and meaning of the poem.
4. Conciseness: Poetry is known for its ability to say a lot in a few words. It often uses imagery, symbolism, and implied meaning to create a powerful impact, packing a lot of meaning into a small space.
Beyond these four:
* Theme: Poetry often explores a central idea or message, whether it's love, loss, nature, or something more abstract.
* Emotion: Poetry often aims to evoke an emotional response in the reader, whether it's joy, sadness, fear, or wonder.
* Imagery: This is a big one! Poetry relies heavily on sensory details to create vivid and memorable images in the reader's mind.
It's important to remember that these are not strict rules. Poetry is a form of art, and its characteristics can be fluid and change depending on the poet and their style.