figurative language
metaphor
a comparison between
two unlike things
simile
a comparison between
two things using the word
like or the word as
personification
human qualities are
attributed to an object,
animal, or idea
hyperbole
the truth is exaggerated
for emphasis or for effect
apostrophe
an object, an abstract
quality, or an absent or
imaginary person is
addressed as if present
and able to understand
oxymoron
two contradictory words
are found next to each
other
diction
a writer’s or speaker’s
choice of words and way
of arranging the words in
sentences
imagery
descriptive words or
phrases that recreate
sensory experiences for
the reader
sound devices
alliteration
repetition of consonant
sounds at the beginning
of words
onomatopoeia
use of words whose
sounds suggest their
meanings
consonance
repetition of consonant
sounds within and at the
ends of words
assonance
repetition of vowel
sounds in two or more
words that don’t end
with the same consonant
repetition
a sound, word, phrase, or
line is repeated for
emphasis
end rhyme
rhyme that occurs at the
end of lines of poetry
near rhyme / slant rhyme
end rhymes that are not
exact
internal rhyme
rhyme that occurs within
a single line
meter
pattern of stressed and
unstressed syllables in a
line of poetry (provides
rhythm)
rhythm
beat or flow of a poem –
sound created by the
arrangement of stressed
and unstressed syllables
iambic
meter in which one
unstressed syllable
followed by one stressed
syllable equal a foot of
poetry
pentameter
meter in which one line
of poetry consists of five
feet of poetry (a foot of
poetry is usually two or
three syllables)
form
stanza
group of lines that form a
unit in a poem
couplet
two lines of poetry with
end rhyme
quatrain
a four-line stanza
parallelism
use of phrases, clauses,
or sentences that are
similar in structure or
meaning
type
epic poem
a long poem that tells a
story; usually serious and
traces the adventures of
a great hero
narrative poem
a poem that tells a story
ballad
a poem that focuses on
one incident and was
originally intended to be
sung
lyric poem
a short poem in which a
single speaker expresses
personal thoughts and
feelings
sonnet
a short poem with 14
lines written in iambic
pentameter and a set
rhyme scheme
haiku
a three-line poem that is
usually about nature and
follows a strict number of
syllables per line
elegy
an extended poem in
which the speaker
reflects on death, often in
tribute to a person who
has recently died