Ode Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: RF.3-5.4.B

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

An ode is a lyrical poem that is often short in form. Ode poems originated in Ancient Greece. They were intended to honor and applaud successes in Greek athletics. As time passed, they become synonymous with English romantic poems. Today they often used to celebrate people, nature, and intellectual concepts. There are generally three forms of ode poetry. The Pindar form is intended to read choral at community events it tends to be more formal. The Horatian form tends to be informal and a more introverted with a focus on being simple and very pleasant. The Irregular form exits from the basic rhyming scheme and exhibits a great deal of flexibility to help poets explore all types of subjects. Keats was famous for using this form of poetry. These worksheets will help students explore this form of poetry and they will learn how to compose their own ode.

Ode Worksheets To Print:

Introduction - When you have a class discussion this worksheet can help you guide the conversation.

Balanced Organizer - This is another worksheet that can be used to help students explore the basic concepts of this type of poetry.

True and False - Look at what you know about this form of poetry and what you don't.

Ode to the West Wind - We take a deep dive into Percy Bysshe Shelley's work.

Encomium and Eulogy - We look at these related concepts and how they relate to this style.

Grecian Urn - Read John Keats' work on a Grecian Urn. Is this an ode in the classical sense of the term? Does it possess a more broader sense of the term? What kind of poem is it? Explain.

Complete the Sentences - use the word bank to complete everything that you come across here.

Review Essay - Have students explain this concept in their own words.

Ekphrasis - Where do these concept cross paths and then go in different directions.

Irregular Form - We look at the work of Allen Tate. We see how this style of poetry goes off on its own.

Pindaric - We look at this celebratory style and use evidence to backup our thoughts on it.

Horatian - You will choose one of Keats' work and then discuss the subject and nature of it.

Structure - We look at how the three stanzas should be divided and the difference between how English Romantic poets and Ancient Greeks used this style.

Is it Worthy? - Choose something that you respect and admire. Use this worksheet to help you compose your own poem about it.

Independent Practice - If a students misses this lesson, this worksheet will help bring them up to speed for sure.

What Is An Ode In English Literature?

An ode is a kind of lyrical and formal poem written in appreciation and celebration of an entity. Odes are typically based on a specific individual, idea, place, or object. In contrast to other types of poetry, odes usually don’t have a strict requirement when it comes to lines and stanzas.


The term "ode" originates from "aidein" in the Greek language. It means, "to sing." In general, odes aren’t as long as some other forms of poetry. However, they tend to include various other structures - like sonnet and elegy - within them.


The tone of an ode is normally serious, reflective, and genuine. On the other hand, the subject matter might vary but it’s almost always about something that the poet feels deserves special attention.


Types of Odes


There are 3 traditional forms of an ode. These are discussed below.


Horatian


The Horatian ode has its origins in Latin where the conventional Aeolic form is written in a calm and contemplative manner and tone. The aim of these works is to bring some much-needed mental peace and serenity to the reader. This style is named after the Roman lyric poet Quintus Horatius Flaccus, better known as "Horace" in the English-speaking world, who lived in the time of Augustus during the 1st century BC.


Horatian odes are typically based around the themes of love, happiness, family, togetherness, etc. They are relatively short and consist of 2 quatrains on average.


Pindaric


The Pindaric ode also originates from the Greek language, with its name based on the ancient Greek lyric poet Pindar. He was one of the canonical nine lyric poets of ancient Greece who also penned songs to be performed by choirs and groups of dancers. These musical numbers were usually created to celebrate major events and important historical milestones.


The metrical patterns, length, and rhyme of these songs used to be somewhat irregular. However, you could always make out 3 distinct portions within them. These were called the antistrophe, strophe, and epode. The ancient Greeks were also known for adding music to their odes.


Irregular


As might be evident from their name, "irregular odes" don't normally have a set structure and pattern. Unlike Pindaric and Horatian odes, they don't conform to any sequence or rules of construction. The verse is usually irregular while the stanzas don’t have any kind of prescribed order. Moreover, no formal rhyming scheme exists in such odes. As a result, poets and writers have the creative license to experiment with the verse as much as they like.


Tips for Creating a Compelling Ode


In contrast to other kinds of poetry, composing an ode is a relatively straightforward task. The tips below can help you write a compelling and engaging work while adhering to this style.


- Pinpoint something meaningful. This can be a feeling, like love or joy, or an object, like Pablo Neruda's suit.


- Carefully analyze every aspect of the "entity" that you appreciate so much. What can it do for you? How is your life affected by it? How does it make you feel?


- Begin the writing process. Make sure that your words are aimed at the "entity." To put it another way, don’t stray and stay focused on the entity whose magnificence you’re describing.


- Use lots of verbs and adjectives while also maintaining your focus on the visuals that you want to create.


- Repetition is common in odes. Use it effectively in your piece of writing.
- See if you can use personification to add some more personality and oomph to your verses.


- Ruthlessly revise and edit your work. We would suggest sharing it with someone trustworthy and competent. Take their feedback on board about what needs to change. This will help make your writing more impactful.