Personal - Impersonal Poetry

Personal/Impersonal Poetry
(or Subjective/Objective Poetry)
by Vivian Gilbert Zabel

Goal: This exercise helps writers to understand the difference between personal (subjective) and impersonal (objective) point of view (This can help writers understand the concept in any type of writing.)

NOTE: Personal poetry uses first and second person.
Impersonal poetry uses only third person.

Materials needed:
         sample list of sensory words
         poetry devices list
         examples of personal and impersonal poetry


Directions:

1. Read both versions on example handout.

2. Consider the similarities.

3. Consider the differences.

4. Find devices used in poems.

5. Write group personal/subjective poem on board.

6. Consider ways to make group poem impersonal

Assignment:
         Write a personal/subjective poem and a impersonal/objective poem

1. Write a personal poem of six lines or more. Use at least four devices other than enjambement and caesura.

2. Revise poem to create an impersonal version.

3. Make a final copy of each.

Examples of Personal (Subjective) and Impersonal (Objective) Poetry

Personal/subjective poem:

         Where Are You?

Where are you?
Your mind meanders meaninglessly
Through mazes I cannot find,
While eyes stare sightlessly at some void
Beyond where I can see.
I strain to hear the voiceless music
Your fingers drum accompaniment.
Your daydreaming is a living death
That I am unable to share.

(poetry devices used: alliteration, personification, oxymoron, metaphor, enjambement)



Impersonal/objective poem:

         Where Is Anyone?

Where is anyone?
Minds meander meaninglessly
Through mazes unfound.
Eyes stare sightlessly at some void
Beyond where anyone can see.
Straining to hear voiceless music,
Restless fingers drum accompaniment.
Daydreams become a living death
That no one can share.

{poetry devices used: alliteration, personification, metaphor, oxymoron, enjambement)