The Cinquain

The Write Stuff

Origins of the Cinquain Created by an American Poet, Adelaide

Crapsey First appeared in 1914 Inspired by Japanese poems like Haiku and

Tanka From the French word “Cinq,” or “five.”

NTK: What’s a “cinquain?”A poem with 5 linesThe poem does not

usually rhyme. Instead of focusing

on syllables (like a Haiku), cinquains focus on a DESCRIPTION.

Each line of a cinquain has a specific purpose…

Line 1 (one word; the subject of the poem)

Line 2 (two words; adjectives that describe line 1)

Line 3 (three words; action words or verbs that apply to line 1)

Line 4 (A sentence that relates to line 1)

Line 5 (one word; a synonym for line 1 or something that sums up the poem)

Triangles

Pointy edges

Revolving, rotating, angling

Triangles are all different.

180o

PenguinPenguinBlack, whiteWaddling, swimming,

leapingWearing a tuxedo in the

cold.Emperor

Race Cars

RacingFast, zipBuzzing, rushing,

flyingDrivers on the track.NASCAR!

NatureNatureBeautiful, pureRefreshing, Enjoying, relaxingNature is healthy.Fun

Allusions

Poetic Devices: The Write Stuff

NTK: What’s an Allusion? Allusions are poetic

devices. They use only a

word or two. They are references

to other things. Do NOT confuse

this word with “Illusions”

Allusions are…Allusions refer to

other things, particularly: Art Literature Popular Culture

You must be familiar with whatever art/literature/culture they are alluding to first.

So the tricky thing about allusions is…

Common allusions…To works of

literature: Greek and Roman

mythology Religious texts like

the Bible, Koran, Torah, Ramayana

Shakespeare Other famous

writers and poets

Common allusionsFamous art and

artists Renaissance art Classical music

and composers Important

moments in history

Common AllusionsPopular culture

Contemporary references (within the last 100 years)

Current events Recent music,

fashion, art, literature or news

Common “trends” or “fads” in culture

Yes. That is part of what makes allusions difficult to catch.

Can allusions refer to other allusions?

Because allusions can be complex… Poems and stories will often have “footnotes” or

“endnotes” that explain allusions Look for a small symbol (*, †) or a number next to a

word that tells you where to look for the notes. Footnotes and endnotes aren’t just for allusions,

but you should read them anyway.