Poetry form+structure+literarydevices Flashcards
how many lines does a villanelle have?
19
How many stanzas does a villanelle have?
5
How many lines are in the stanzas of a villanelle?
3, and then 4 in the last one
how is the last line of the first stanza repeated in a villanelle?
as the last line of the second and fourth stanzas
How is the third line of the fourth stanza of a villanelle repeated?
as the last line of the third and fifth stanzas?
What are the last two lines in a villanelle?
the first line of the first stanza and the third line of the first stanza
What is the rhyme scheme of a villanelle?
aba, with the rhymes repeated according to the third and first line of the first stanza
hare the third and first lines of the first stanza of a villanelle called?
refrain lines
How many lines are in a sestina?
36
How many stanzas does a sestina have?
6
how many lines are in each stanza of a sestina?
6
are sestinas rhymed or unrhymed?
unrhymed
what are the ending lines of a poem called?
envoi
how many lines are in the envoi of a sestina?
3
what is lexical repetition?
the set pattern of repeating end-words in poetry.
how many lines are in each stanza of a pantoum?
4
How long is a pantoum and what is the rule about it’s first and last lines?
it must begin and end in the same line, but the length is unspecified
What is a poem called when each sanza is four lines?
a quatrain
what is a poem called when each stanza is two lines?
couplets
what is the rhyme scheme of each quatrain in a pantoum?
abab until the final quatrain, which changes the pattern of the pantoum
hat is hte pattern of the final quatrain of a pantoum?
the unrepeated first and third lines are used in reverse as second and fourth lines
what are metrical feet?
the basic units of stressed and unstressed syllables that compose poetic meter
What is an iamb and what is it used in?
a metrical foot that contains a stressed then an unstressed syllable
- used in sonnet 71 (iambic pentameter)
what is a trochee?
a metrical foot that contains one unstressed and one stressed syllable
what is an anapest?
a metrical foot that consists of two unstressed syllables and a stressed syllable
what is a dactyl?
a metrical foot that consists of one stressed syllable and two unstressed syllables
what is anaphora?
a repetition of words or phrases in a group of sentences, words, or poetic lines.
-at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences.
what is a juxtaposition?
a literary device where two contrasting ideas, characters, or images are placed close together to highlight their differences.
Example: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” – Charles Dickens
This contrast creates a striking effect, emphasizing differences or unexpected connections
oxymoron
Oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines two contradictory words or ideas to create a unique meaning or effect.
Example: “Deafening silence” or “bittersweet.”
what is an enjambment? what is it used for?
when a sentence or thought in a poem continues across multiple lines.
It helps create a sense of movement in the poem and can make it feel more natural or flowing.
It can also build suspense because the reader has to move to the next line to finish the thought.
What is a juxtaposition?
placing 2 contrasting elements side by side to highlight their differences
- can be thematic elements as well, such as switching between opposing viewpoints or contrasting settings
What is the following figurative language an example of?
All’s fair in love and war
a juxtaposition, because two opposing elements are placed near each other but are NOT necessarily opposites and are NOT parallel structure. This rules out antithesis and paradox, as these are strictly for contradictory statements.
- it also cannot be an oxymoron because there is a conjunction between love and war (more than 2 phrases!)
what is a palinode
A palinode is a poem or part of a poem where the writer takes back something they said earlier. It’s like an apology or a retraction of a previous statement.
✔ Example:
A poet writes, “Love is a curse, bringing only sorrow,” but later, in a new stanza, they write, “I was wrong—love is the greatest joy.”
what is paralipsis
Paralipsis is when a speaker pretends to skip over a topic but still brings it up. It’s a sneaky way to mention something while acting like you’re not mentioning it.
✔ Example:
“I won’t even talk about how lazy my opponent is… but you all know what I mean.”
In Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Mark Antony says, “I come not to praise Caesar, but to bury him,” yet he goes on to praise him anyway.
hypophora
Hypophora is when a speaker asks a question and then immediately answers it. It’s used to guide the audience’s thinking and create emphasis.
✔ Example:
“Why should we care about climate change? Because it affects our future!”
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. uses hypophora in “I Have a Dream”, asking, “When will you be satisfied?” and then answering it.
hamartia
- Hamartia
Hamartia is a fatal flaw or mistake that leads to a character’s downfall in a story, often in tragedies. It’s usually a personality trait, like pride, ambition, or jealousy.
✔ Example:
Macbeth (Shakespeare) – His ambition leads to his downfall.
Oedipus (Sophocles) – His pride and ignorance cause him to unknowingly fulfill a terrible prophecy.
