English 8: Prose, Poetry, and Literary Devices

Vocabulary flashcards covering the definitions of prose, poetry, figurative language, sound devices, and stylistic elements from English 8 lecture notes.

Prose

A form of literature that uses ordinary language and has a natural flow of speech, structured in sentences and paragraphs.

Fiction

Literature created from the author's imagination, including novels, short stories, fables, parables, and legends.

Non-fiction

Literature based on facts and real events, such as news articles, essays, biographies, and history.

Poetry

A form of literature using rhythmic language, stanzas, and lines to express ideas or evoke complex emotions.

Figure of Speech

Language that goes beyond literal meaning to create vivid imagery, evoke emotions, and add depth to writing.

Simile

A comparison between two dissimilar things using the words 'LIKE' or 'AS'.

Metaphor

A direct comparison between two dissimilar things that equates them without using 'like' or 'as'.

Personification

Connecting human attributes or qualities to non-human entities.

Hyperbole

The use of exaggeration to emphasize the gravity of a situation or an idea.

Symbolism

The use of concrete objects to represent abstract ideas, such as a dove representing peace and hope.

Euphemism

A lighter word or phrase used to express something heavy or difficult to lessen its gravity.

Apostrophe

A device where a person calls upon an abstract quality, idea, non-living object, or someone who is not present or cannot respond.

Alliteration

The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words within a line to create a melody.

Assonance

The repetition of vowel sounds anywhere within nearby words.

Onomatopoeia

Words that imitate the sounds they describe or represent, such as 'BANG'.

Rhyme

The repetition of similar sounds, usually occurring at the end of lines.

Rhyme Scheme

The pattern of rhyming words in a poem, identified using letters of the alphabet.

Meter

The rhythmic pattern in a line created by the arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables.

Diction

The poet's choice of words, which affects the level of formality, connotations, and the overall impact on the reader.

Tone

The author's attitude or emotional stance toward the subject matter.

Mood

The specific emotion or feelings that a poem evokes in the reader.

Style

The distinct way a poet expresses thoughts and ideas, ranging from lyric and traditional to archaic.

Motif

A recurring element such as an object, idea, or word that appears repeatedly in a poem.

Theme

The central and underlying message, lesson, or deeper meaning of a literary work.