Poetic Devices Flashcards
metaphor
comparing two unlike things
simile
comparing two unlike things using like, as, or than
personification
inanimate objects taking on human characteristics
motif
a re-occurring element that has a symbolic meaning in a story
irony
using a word or phrase to mean the exact opposite. There are 3 kinds: dramatic, verbal, and situational
repetition
repeating of a word, a phrase, or an idea for emphasis.
imagery
use of words to create a picture in the reader’s mind. Usually using one or more of the five senses.
symbolism
a person, place, thing, or event that is used to represent something else.
foreshadowing
giving hints or clues of what is to come later in a story
hyperbole
a deliberate exaggeration
allegory
a story that is really a fictionalized version of a real situation
allusion
refers to a famous place or character.
connotation
meaning is inferred; it makes you think. It is figurative.
juxtaposition
putting two words or ideas close together to create a contrasting of ideas or an ironic meaning
cliché
an overused expression that has lost its intended force or novelty
idiom
a saying, that if taken literally, makes no sense
colloquialism
the use of informal words in literature. Used to connect with the audience
euphemism
a polite expression used in place of words or phrases that might otherwise be considered harsh or unpleasant.
rhyme scheme
any pattern of rhymes in poetry
internal rhyme
word in the middle and word at the end rhyme
alliteration
repetition of the first sound in a sentence
assonance
close repetition of similar vowel sounds. (middle sound)
consonance
close repetition of identical consonant sounds before and after different vowels. (end sound)
onomatopoeia
words that imitate a sound, they sound like what they mean
cacophony
harsh sounds, they hurt the ear
rhythm/meter
amount of beats in a sentence or paragraph
stress
the way you pronounce a word. ex) blessed
