Poetry Flashcards
ALLITERATION
forming word patterns by repeating initial consonant sounds.
CACOPHONY
a combination of harsh, unpleasant sounds which create an effect of discordance.
METONYMY
referring to an object or person by part of it, or an associated object.
AMBIGUITY
This is the quality in a piece of writing that makes it possible to interpret it in more than one way.
ANALOGY
Where you explain a complex situation by relating it to a simpler idea.
APOSTROPHE
Directly addressing a person or thing as if it/s/he were really there.
PATHETIC FALLACY
writing that uses clichés to show nature mirroring what happens in real life.
ODE
A form of lyric poetry that using very elaborate, sophisticated vocabulary. A lyric poem in the form of an address to a particular subject, often elevated in style or manner and written in varied or irregular meter.
PARADOX
a statement or proposition that, despite sound (or apparently sound) reasoning from acceptable premises, leads to a conclusion that seems senseless, logically unacceptable, or self-contradictory.
SONNET
a poem of fourteen lines using any of a number of formal rhyme schemes, in English typically having ten syllables per line.
IRONY
the expression of one’s meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.
LITOTES
ironical understatement in which an affirmative is expressed by the negative of its contrary (e.g., you won’t be sorry, meaning you’ll be glad ).
ASSONANCE
The repetition of stressed vowel sounds.
SATIRE
makes fun of some part of human nature, customs, or attitudes in order to make a positive change.
SYNECDOCHE
where part of an object is used to represent the whole object. Referred to as Metonymy.
DICTION
The style the author uses, such as simple, sophisticated colloquial, formal or informal
FOUND POETRY
Where you discover something poetic in prose
(regular writing)
STRESS
Saying certain syllables or words in a line with more emphasis or volume
STANZA
A group of lines in a poem arranged so that the rhyme or rhythm forms a pattern that is repeated throughout the poem
CONCRETE POETRY
Where the actual layout of the poem on paper, is shaped like the topic. ( A poem about dragons is shaped like a dragon)
DENOTATION
The literal meaning of a word, such as the meaning found in a dictionary.
EUPHEMISM
The use of kinder, more gentle language to describe a harsh or disturbing concept. This is done to reduce the risk of the reader being offended or upset.
FOOT
It is the basic unit of measurement for a poem, it includes one accented syllable and more or two unaccented syllables
SYMBOLISM
An object or image that represents something other than its literal meaning. It is used to convey a feeling or message.
ALLUSION
A brief reference to a person, event or thing, religious or historical. References to The Bible, and to Greek/Roman gods and goddesses are very common. To understand much classic poetry, one should have a small working knowledge of these two areas of study.
EUPHONY
The musical effect when a poet uses pleasing harmonious sounds and rhythms. The opposite is cacophony.
LYRIC
Usually a short poem that expresses a powerful emotion or sediment, Lyrics are the words of a song.
OCTAVE
The first eight lines of a Petrarchan Sonnet
REPETITION
The repeating of lines, words, or phrases for emphasis.
RHYME
Similar sounding words in the end or within a line
QUATRAIN
A four line stanza
PERSONIFICATION
Giving human qualities to a non-human thing or idea
UNDERSTATEMENT
Where we deliberately say less than we mean, and let the audience understand the real meaning.
MEIOSIS
Where the understatement causes a humorous effect.
PARODY
Using comedy or satire when imitating a well known, serious work. Much like re-writing a story with foolish characters and actions similar to the original
FREE VERSE
A poem that follows no specific structure, rhyme scheme or pattern. It is like a natural speaking voice.
JUXTAPOSITION
Where two things that are not usually together are forced together, to force the reader to understand a point. (eg. disgustingly beautiful)
OXYMORON
Two contradicting words side by side (eg. dark day)
SIMILE
A comparison using like or as
CAESURA
A break between words within a metrical foot.
a pause near the middle of a line
CONSONANCE
The repetition of consonant sounds at the end of word. Ex. Thick stuck gunk first and last .
HAIKU
Popular Japenese form of poetry developed in 17th century. It usually had three lines, respectively with 5, 7, then 5 syllables.
HYPERBOLE
Exaggeration, either for comic or serious effect
IMAGERY
Creating vivid mental pictures through using word that appeal to the sense and emotions.
ALLEGORY
An extended metaphor- the whole poem is representative of another idea. Allegory is intended to teach a moral or lesson. There are two levels: literal and symbolic. The literal level is simple and clear but the symbolic level contains the lesson to be learned.
DRAMATIC MONOLOUGE
One character speaks to a silent audience. Similar to soliloquy.
METAPHOR
A comparison that doesn’t use comparison words such as like or as. extended metaphor is where other points in the poem make the metaphor lager, referring back to the original metaphor
MOOD
The dominant feeling or atmosphere of a work. Dark,light,happy,sad, are simple moods. more complex ones are found in poetry.
CONTRAST
Used to clarify a certain idea or value.It uses two opposites to show an idea more clearly than if contrast were not used.
ELEGY
A serious poem, usually meant to express grief or sorrow. The theme is serious, usually death.
ONOMATOPOEIA
Words that sound like the sound they are describing
Ex. Pop, Buss
COMMUNICATIONS
The exchange of thoughts, messages, or information, as by speech, signals, writing, or behavior.
BALLAD
A narrative poem or song of popular origin, usually in short stanzas with a chorus. (Rhyme is not necessary)
CONNOTATION
Implied or associated meaning for a particular word. (Ex. House and Home)
DIDACTIC VERSE
A term for a poem that teaches, almost preaches. It often discusses the “proper” way to behave, the lesson is more important to the writer than the artistic quality.
EPIGRAM
A brief, pithy statement. Usually 2 lines long and makes a witty or humorous remark.
IAMBIC
1 unaccented 1 accented “trapeze”
IAMBIC PENTAMETER
The most common meter used in shakespeare’s plays and sonnets. (Five Feet)
LITOTES
Where an opinion is offered by stating the negative of the intended meaning (Juliet wasn’t exactly ugly…)
Oxymoron
Two opposite or conflicting words, side by side. It is different from a paradox because a paradox is a complete statement (dark day, white night)
Simile
A comparison using like or as.
