Free Verse

Poetry and Prose with Michael Rosen

In this course, author Michael Rosen teaches us how to analyse and write poetry and prose with ease. In the first module, we look at free verse poetry. In the second module, we think about further aspects of language and sound in poetry by looking at anthems. In the third module, we look at how we can incorporate snapshots from our lives into our writing. In the fourth module, we consider how to respond to an unseen poem. In the fifth module, we do some close analysis and find links and contrasts in a poem using Michael Rosen’s ‘secret strings’ method. In the sixth module, we take a breather for a little interlude. In the seventh module, we look at how to add humour to our writing by thinking about satire. In the eighth and final module, we turn to prose.

Free Verse

In this module, we look at free verse poetry, with a close reading of the poem ‘Going Through the Old Photos’ by Michael Rosen, focusing in particular on (i) different ways to write poems, (ii) structure and style, (iii) incorporation of dialogue, (iv) ending a poem, and (v) how reflecting on personal memories and emotions can inspire your own writing.