Poetry terms

2. When a word, phrase or image stands for or evokes a complex set of ideas, which is determined by its context. E.g. the sun can symbolize life, while a red rose can symbolize romantic love.
4. Use of word pictures, figures of speech and description to evoke ideas, feelings, objects, actions, states of mind, etc.
5. The use of words with matching sounds, usually at the end of each line.
6. Technique of presenting things which are not human as if they are.
10. Description A description which uses the five human senses - touch, taste, smell, sight and hearing. This sort of description is very effective in creating a vivid meaning.
11. The words that the poet has specifically chosen to create a particular effect, meaning or atmosphere.
12. How the poem appears on the page, how it is constructed and organized. E.g. ballad, acrostic, sonnet, blank verse, etc.
13. A line ending in which the syntax, rhythm and thought are continued into the next line.
14. Repetition of similar or identical vowel sounds in words which follow each other.
15. Another, more sophisticated word for a verse in a poem.

1. Use of words which echo their meaning in sound e.g. “Snap”, “bang” etc.
3. A comparative description based on similarity between two things, but one that directly connects them e.g. That child is a perfect monkey.
6. A way in which the poet is able to control the rhythm and pace of the poem. A good way to spot the effect of it is to read the poem out loud.
7. Repetition of connected words beginning with the same letter. Used to highlight the feeling of sound and movement, to intensify feeling or to bind words together.
8. A form of comparison based on a similarity between two things, which suggests one object shares features with another but is not wholly identical e.g. The child chattered like a monkey. (HINT: “Like” or “as” are key words to spot)
9. The pace or beat of the poem - can vary enormously from line to line in order to achieve a particular effect. Again, reading the poem out loud can help you spot it and its effects.
16. What the poem is about - its meaning, comment or point.