What are the characteristics of funny poems that tell a story?

Well, they often have vivid characters. Just like in 'The Hunting of the Snark', the Snark itself is a very mysterious and funny character concept. And there are all these other odd characters on the hunt. Another characteristic is unexpected plot twists. In 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner', you don't expect all the strange things that happen after the mariner shoots the albatross. Also, wordplay is common. In many such poems, the poets play with words to create humor. For example, using puns or creating new words that add to the comical effect of the story.

They usually contain unexpected twists and turns. For example, in 'The Raven', the repeated appearance of the raven and its single word response 'Nevermore' is quite unexpected and adds to the darkly humorous nature of the story. The element of surprise keeps the reader engaged and amused throughout the long poem.

One characteristic is a clear narrative arc. Just like in a short story or a novel, there is a beginning, middle, and end. For example, in 'The Highwayman', it starts with introducing the highwayman and his love for Bess, then there's the conflict when the redcoats come, and finally the tragic end. Another characteristic is the use of vivid imagery to bring the story to life. In 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner', the descriptions of the sea, the ice, and the strange creatures make the story more engaging. Also, there is often a central character or characters that the story revolves around.

Well, these poems usually have a plot. Just like in a short story, there is a problem or conflict. In 'Casey at the Bat', the conflict is Casey's need to hit the ball to win the game. They also tend to have a narrative arc. Starting from an introduction, like in 'Paul Revere's Ride' where we are introduced to Paul Revere, then rising action such as his ride through the night, a climax when he warns the people, and a resolution. Moreover, the language is often descriptive to bring the story to life, for instance, the vivid descriptions in 'Goblin Market' of the goblin fruits.

These poems may also rely on the power of suggestion. Instead of telling a story, they give hints and let the reader's imagination fill in the blanks. For example, a poem might describe a strange object and leave it up to the reader to decide what it means or what it might be related to, rather than spelling out a story.

One characteristic is the use of religious elements in a humorous way. For example, they might tell a story about a well - known Bible character in a comical situation. In poems, it could be rhyming words that playfully describe a religious concept.

Funny poems and short stories usually contain elements that are relatable yet presented in a comical way. We can all relate to being a bit lazy like the hare in 'The Tortoise and the Hare' short story, but the way it's shown with the hare taking a nap and losing the race is funny. In funny poems, the use of onomatopoeia can add to the humor. When we read words that mimic sounds in a silly or unexpected context, it makes us laugh. Also, a break from the norm in terms of plot or language use is often seen in both funny poems and short stories.

Funny poems often have elements like wordplay, rhyme, and unexpected turns. For example, in 'The Chaos' by Gerard Nolst Trenité, the mispronunciations and mix - ups create humor. Short stories can be funny through absurd situations or ironic endings. Like in 'The Lady, or the Tiger?', the open - ended and ironic nature is humorous.

Often, they use a lot of gloomy or dark imagery. For example, in 'The Raven' by Edgar Allan Poe, the raven itself is a symbol of death and doom, adding to the overall sad atmosphere of the poem. The language is usually solemn and may have a slow rhythm, like a dirge.

Well, they often have a strong sense of melancholy. For example, in 'Because I could not stop for Death' by Emily Dickinson, the story of the journey with Death has a sad undertone throughout. They also tend to use vivid imagery to convey the sadness. In these poems, the plot usually involves loss, like the loss of a loved one or the loss of a way of life.