Poetic Devices (copy)

Alliteration

Repeating the same initial sound in several words on a line of poetry or in a sentence.

Allusion

A brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing or idea of historical, cultural, literary or political significance. It does not describe in detail the person or thing to which it refers.

Ballad

A poem that tells a story.

Repetition

When a word or sentence is placed more than once within a poem.

Couplet

A poem or stanza with two lines that end in rhyme.

Hyperbole

A figure of speech that uses obvious exaggeration for effect.

Imagery

Use of vivid sensory language to create mental pictures.

Lyrics

Words to a poem or song.

Metaphor

A comparison without the use of like or as.

Free Verse

Poetry without form, rhyme or rhythm.

Onomatopoeia

A word that imitates the sound it represents.

Enjambment

The running over of a sentence or thought from one line of poetry to another.

Quatrain

A poem or stanza of four lines.

Simile

A comparison of two things using like or as.

Stanza

The division of lines in a poem

Symbolism

An object which represents an idea.

Rhyme

A pattern of repeated sounds.

Tone

An author or poet's attitude towards a subject.

Mood

A feeling that the poem creates in the reader such as anger or joy.