English 10 - Poetic Devices + SOAPSTone

Stanza

A collection of lines grouped together, often considered a “paragraph” in a poem

Syntax

The arrangement of words and sentences (length, structure, punctuation, rhythm) to enhance/convey meaning in poems

Alliteration

The repetition of the same letter/sound at the beginning of adjacent words

Enjambment

A line break in the poem, not because of punctuation, for the effect of flow or emphasis

Consonance

The repetition of consonant sounds in words close to each other

Assonance

The repetition of vowel sounds in words close to each other

Diction

The usage of word choice to help convey a meaning - consider connotations and denotations of words

Metaphor

A type of figurative language that compares one thing to another e.g. school is a warzone

Simile

A type of figurative language used to compare one thing to another with the words “like” or “as”

Imagery

Using diction to appeal to the 5 senses, allowing the reader to fully imagine the scene

Symbol

An object/item that represents something else, e.g. using blue curtains to symbolize sadness

Speaker

The voice delivering the words (not necessarily the author)

Occasion

The time and place or setting of the poem

Audience

The group/person being spoken to, and the group the poem is addressed to

Purpose

The point of the poem. What is the author trying to convey?

Subject

The main topic of the poem

Tone

The speaker’s attitude towards the subject

Theme

The underlying message the author hopes to convey

Volta/turn

A shift in tone