Poetry-Specific Devices

Alliteration

The repetition of the same initial consonant sounds in a sequence of words or phrases, often used to create rhythm and emphasis in poetry

Assonance

The repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words

Consonance

The repetition of consonant sounds in close proximity within a phrase or sentence, used to enhance the musical quality of poetry

Onomatopoeia

A literary device where words imitate natural sounds, enhancing the sensory experience in poetry like “crash” and “boom”

Caesura

A pause in a line of poetry, often occurring in the middle of a line, which adds rhythm and can enhance meaning

Enjambment

A continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line of poetry to the next without a pause, creating a flow and maintaining the rhythm

Iambic Pentameter

A metrical pattern consisting of five iambs per line, where each iamb is made up of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable. This rhythm is commonly used in English poetry, notably by Shakespeare

Effect on the Reader:

• Creates a rhythmic flow and mimics natural speech, making the language sound more formal or elegant

• Adds emphasis to certain words or phrases

• Slows the pace of reading, allowing the audience time to absorb important ideas

• Often used in high-status speech to elevate the character’s dignity (e.g., Romeo in Romeo and Juliet)

Rhyme Scheme

The pattern of rhymes at the end of each line in a poem, often described using letters to denote which lines rhyme with each other

Stanza

A grouped set of lines within a poem, usually sharing a common rhyme scheme and meter. Stanzas serve as the building blocks of a poem, organizing ideas and themes

Metre

The structured rhythmic pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a line of poetry, which helps establish the poem's rhythm and flow

Repetition

The deliberate use of the same word or phrase multiple times within a poem to emphasize a theme or idea

Symbolism (in the context of poetry)

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, allowing poets to convey deeper meanings through objects, characters, or events

Oxymoron

A figure of speech in which contradictory terms appear in conjunction, creating a unique or ironic effect, often used to convey complex emotions or truths

Juxtaposition (in the context of poetry)

The act of placing two or more elements side by side in a poem to highlight contrasts or similarities, often creating a deeper understanding of their meanings

Simile and Metaphor (also used in poetry)

Both are figures of speech used to make comparisons; a simile uses "like" or "as" while a metaphor states one thing is another, enriching the imagery and meaning

Personification (also used in poetry)

A literary device in which human qualities and attributes are attributed to non-human entities or inanimate objects, enhancing emotional connection and imagery

Hyperbole (also used in poetry)

An exaggerated statement or claim not meant to be taken literally, often used for emphasis or effect in poetryto create humor or convey strong emotion