Poetry Vocab

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Line

An expression contained within one row of poetry

Couplet

Two lines of poetic verse, typically joined with rhyme and similar meter

Stanza

A division of a poem consisting of a series of lines which typically are arranged together with a cohesive purpose

Open Form

A poem that doesn't follow any rules or patterns

Closed Form

A poem that follows a set of rules or patterns

Sonnet

A 14-line poem which typically employs rhyme schemes and meter

Epic

A long narrative poem that typically tells a story of a hero from the past

Ode

A poem, typically intended to be sung, which addresses a particular subject with an elevated manner or style

Ballad

A type of poem that is traditional and narrative in nature, often being passed down orally from generation to generation

Elegy

A poetic lament for the dead

Meter

The pattern of beats in a line of poetry

Rhyme

The repetition of syllables and sounds at the end of or within lines of poetry

Repetition

Recurrence of sounds, words, phrases, lines or themes in poetry or prose

Volta

A turn/shift in thought, emotion or perspective within a poem

Enjambment

The continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line or stanza of poetry

Extended Metaphor

A figurative comparison that builds meaning throughout a poem or piece of prose

Understatement

A device where a particular quality of a thing is presented as less than what it isin reality

Caesura

A break or pause in a line of poetry, typically near the middle of the line

Assonance

The use of the same vowel sounds within close proximity

Consonance

The use of the same consonant sounds within close proximity