analysing poetry Flashcards
Anaphora
the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses.
Assonance
A repetition of vowel sounds.
Caesura
A stop or a pause in a line of poetry – usually caused by punctuation.
End stop
A line of poetry ending in a piece of punctuation which results in a pause.
Enjambment
The running over of a sentence from one line to the next without a piece of punctuation at the end of the line.
Extended metaphor
a version of metaphor that extends over the course of multiple lines, paragraphs, or stanzas of prose or poetry. It creates more varied, descriptive comparisons.
Juxtaposition
Two things being placed close together for contrasting effect.
Narrative voice
The voice/speaker of the poem who is different from the writer.
Personification
Giving human characteristics to something which is not human.
Plosive sounds
“b,” “p,” “t” and “d” sounds – which can be harsh, aggressive or shocking.
Refrain
a word, line or phrase that is repeated within the lines or stanzas of the poem itself
Semantic Field
A set of words relating to the same topic. “Foul” and “Shot” would appear in the semantic field of sports.
Sibilance
Repeated “S” sounds – most often caused by “s” “ss” and “c.” These can be harsh, smooth or sickly.
Stanza
is a group of lines within a poem, usually set off from others by a blank line or indentation.
Bleak
cold, raw; lacking in warmth, life, or kindliness; not hopeful
Dismay
Concern or distress
Dismal
Causing a mood of gloom or depression
Eurocentric
focusing on European culture or history to the exclusion of a wider view of the world; implicitly regarding European culture as superior.
Fatigue
Exhaustion/tiredness after having done something
Futility
Pointlessness or uselessness
Glorification
the action of describing or representing something as admirable, especially unjustifiably.
Melancholy
Being exceedingly sad, upset or depressed
Patriotic
Someone who loves their country & feels very loyal towards it.
Pessimistic
Lacking hope or confidence about the future.
Propaganda
information, often of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote a political cause or point of view.
Traumatic
deeply disturbing or distressing.
Treacherous
it is very dangerous and unpredictable.
Weariness
Tiredness or exhaustion
Wrath
Looking to carry out an act of revenge
what are the ways into studying poetry
- read and consider the title
- story / speaker and emotions - read and reflect
- analyse language meaning and themes
- analyse the structure at the start and end and compare
- sumarise
how do you analyse with what how why
What: a clear topic sentence outlining your response to the question
How: Include (embed) evidence to support your point/ topic sentence
How: Explain the meanings and the imagery created in the quote/lines of poetry
Identify and comment on writer’s methods (words, phrases, language techniques) and what they suggest, highlight, reveal
Consider the effect on the reader. How the reader thinks and feels about the poem - the subject matter/theme.
Why: Explain WHY the poet wrote the poem and how their experiences shaped their opinions, ideas & perspectives
