Poetic Techniques Flashcards
Rhyme
The repetition of identical concluding syllables in different words, most often at the end of lines
Meter (Rhythm)
The number of feet within a line of traditional verse. It gives the poem its rhythm
Assonance
The repetition of identical vowel sounds in different words in close proximity
Consonance
The repetition of consonants in words in close proximity to each other
Onomatopoeia
The blending of consonant and vowel sounds designed to imitate or suggest activity being described
Alliteration
The repetition of initial consonant sounds of words in close proximity to each other
Sibilance
The repetition of the ‘s’ sound which creates a hissing sound
Metaphor
A comparison between two unlike things, this describes one thing as if it were something else. Does not use “like” or “as” for the comparison
Simile
A direct comparison between two dissimilar things; uses “like” or “as” to state the terms of the comparison
Personification
Attributing human characterisitics to nonhuman things or abstractions
Imagery
References that trigger that mind to fuse together memories of sight, sounds, tastes, smells, and sensations of touch
Caesura
A short but definite pause used for effect within a line of poetry - marked by a full stop, dash, ellipsis, hyphen or a comma
Enjambment
A line having no end punctuation but running over to the next line
End-stopped line
A line in a full pause, usually indicated with a full stop or semicolon
Repetition
The repetition of a word or phrase in a line or stanza
