Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Poetry Terms

Alliteration: repetition of beginning sounds in words

            example:  Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.

Diction: author’s word choice

            Connotation vs. Denotation: feelings and associations with words vs. literal dictionary definitions


Imagery: descriptions that appeal to the 5 senses

            example: a howl, a wailing shriek

Irony: opposite of what is expected

Figurative Language: when language means something other than its literal meaning

Metaphor: compares two things by saying one is the other

            example: Her eyes are the windows to her soul.

Motif: recurring symbol, image, pattern, or idea

Onomatopoeia: words that are the sounds they describe

            example: bang, buzz, splat

Personification: giving a non-human object human-like traits

            example: The sun was smiling.

Repetition: repeating words, phrases, sounds

Rhyme: same ending sound in words

            example:  tree and me

Rhythm: beats and meter, overall flow of a poem

Simile: compares two things using “like” or “as”

            example: You’re as cute as a button!

Symbol: one thing that represents something else

            Ex. American flag symbolizes freedom.
           
Theme: Overall message of a piece of literature.

            example:  “Tell-Tale Heart”: Guilt will drive you mad.

Tone: author’s attitude toward his/her subject
examples: straightforward, understated,  approving, proud, disliking, harsh,  acerbic, angry,  confident, energetic, ironic, mocking, bitter, grim, cynical, interested,  sympathetic, pitiful, detached, cold,  uninterested, disinterested, apathetic, impartial, objective, humorous, playful, flippant, childish, child-like, tranquil, peaceful, subdued, sad, upset, depressed, afraid, fearful,  panicked, wistful, nostalgic,  sentimental, solemn, serious, somber, apologetic, rebellious, anxious, thoughtful, dreamy, excited, exhilarated,  exuberant, happy, contented, joyful, skeptical, urgent, commanding, demanding, condescending,  arrogant, lofty, dramatic, scornful, bold, provocative,  seductive

What’s the difference between a narrative poem and a lyrical poem?
Tells a story vs. conveys an idea/emotion

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