POETIC devices

metaphor

a comparison of two dissimilar things

Implied Metaphor

a type of metaphor that compares two unlike things, but it does so without mentioning one of them. Instead of directly stating the comparison, it implies the comparison by using a word or phrase that describes the unmentioned term.

Extended Metaphor

the comparison continues throughout a series of sentences. It extends longer than 1 sentence or line, sometimes continuing for stanzas, paragraphs, pages, chapters, or entire texts.

simile

a comparison of two dissimilar things using the signal word 'like' or 'as'

personification

giving human traits to objects, animals, or ideas

idiom (idiomatic expression)

an everyday expression that carries a figurative meaning not offered by a dictionary. Usually specific to a given group of people or region.

imagery (sensory detail)

the use of some of the 5 senses to create a 'picture' in the mind of the reader

symbol

an object or character that represents something deeper with a more significant meaning

oxymoron

two words, that when used together, seem to contradict each other

allusion

an implied or indirect reference to a well-known text, place, person, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance.

hyperbole

exaggeration or overstatement, not meant to be taken literally in order to show emphasis or strong feeling

understatement

the presentation of something as being smaller, worse, or less important than it is

Irony

a literary technique that creates drama, surprise, or suspense by reversing expectations

Verbal Irony

a character/person says one thing but that is not what they actually mean. Can 'sarcasm' is a form of verbal irony

Situational Irony

what actually happens is the opposite of what is expected (think 'twist')

Dramatic Irony

the reader/audience knows something that a character does not know.

Repetition

repeating words, phrases, lines, or stanzas. The main effect is to emphasize key ideas, themes, emotions, and sounds.

Alliteration

the repetition of the same sound at the start of a series of words in succession.

Rhyme

when words have the same ending sound.

Internal Rhyme

occurs in the middle of a line of poetry.

End Rhyme

occurs at the end of a line of poetry.

Rhythm

patterns of long and short, stressed and unstressed syllables that create a beat or pace of the poem - 'measured motion.'

Onomatopoeia

a word whose pronunciation imitates its sound.

Tone

the author's attitude toward the subject.

Mood

the emotion/s the reader/listener is supposed to feel.