English Poetry Terms Flashcards
Anaphora
The repetition of a word or phrase, usually at the beginning of a line
Alliteration
The repetition of beginning sounds in a sequence of words
Assonance
The repetition of vowel sounds
Caesura
An audible pause internal to a line, usually in the middle
Couplet
Two lines of rhymed verse at the end of a stanza
End-stopped Line
A line that ends with a punctuation mark whose meaning is complete
Enjambed Line
A “run-on” line that carries over into the next to complete its meaning
Free verse
Poetry in which the rhythm does not repeat regularly
Refrain
A phrase or line recurring at intervals (larger/longer than an anaphora)
Rhythm
The patterns of stresses, unstressed syllables, and pauses in language
Scansion
The identification and analysis of poetic rhythm and meter
Speech act
The manner of expression (as opposed to the content); question, promise, plea, declaration, and command
Tone
The speaker’s or author’s attitude toward the reader
Topos
A traditional theme or motif
Trope
A figure of speech; metaphor, simile, symbolism, etc.
