Poetry Techniques Flashcards
Simile
The subject of the poem is described by comparing it to another object or subject, using ‘as’ or ‘like’.
Metaphor
An object in, or the subject of, a poem is described as being the same as another otherwise unrelated object.
Alliteration
Repetition of the beginning sound of 2 or more words placed near one another.
Assonance
Repetition of the vowels in words that are in close proximity to each other.
Anaphora
Repetition of the first word or clause of consecutive sentences.
Couplet
Two lines of poetry that rhyme with each other.
Enjambment
When a sentence runs over into the next line or stanza.
Free verse
Poetry with no rules (no strict rhyme schemes, structure or metres).
Metre
The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables within a line.
Mood
The atmosphere of the poem.
Onomatopoeia
Words that represent the sound made from an object, animal, human or thing.
Repetition
Words or phrases that are repeated.
Rhyme
Last sound of a word being repeated in other words (internal & end rhyme).
Rhythm
The pattern of sounds in a poem.
Sonnet
Poems made of 1 stanza with 14 lines.
Tone
The poet’s attitude towards a subject in a poem
Symbolism
Symbols work to represent ideas.
Allusions
When an author or poet makes an indirect reference to some idea, figure, other text, place, or event that originates from outside the text.
Consonance
The repetition of the same consonant sounds in a line of text.
Apostrophe
An address to a dead or absent person, or personification as if he or she were present.
Hyperbole
A figure of speech composed of a striking exaggeration.
Conceit
A conceit is a fanciful metaphor, especially a highly elaborate or extended metaphor in which an unlikely, far-fetched, or strained comparison is made between two things.
Metonymy
When a poet refers to something by one of its characteristics rather than its name.
Synecdoche
When the word for a part of something is used to refer to the whole thing.
Euphony
Combining of words to create a pleasing sound.
