STUDY GUIDE BASED: Poetry Figurative Language and Sound Devices Practice Exam Review

Metaphor

A figure of speech in which an implicit comparison is made between two things essentially unlike. It may take one of four forms:

(1) that in which the literal term and figurative term are both named

(2) that in which the literal term is named and the figurative term implied

(3) that in which the literal term is implied and the figurative term named

(4) that in which both the literal and the figurative terms are implied

How do words accumulate their connotative meaning?

Through cultural associations, historical usage, emotional experiences, and context. For example, “home” denotes a dwelling but connotes warmth, family, or safety.

How does imagery convey emotion?

By linking emotions to sensory experiences, imagery allows readers to feel the abstract. For example, describing grief as “a black fog pressing on the chest” makes the feeling tangible and vivid.

What is the difference between abstract statement and concrete statements?

• Abstract = general idea (“freedom”).

• Concrete = specific sensory detail (“the clang of chains falling away”).

What is a dead metaphor?

Overused, lost vividness (“leg of a chair”)

What are four reasons figurative language is an effective means of saying something?  

1. Adds clarity and imagery – turns abstract into vivid pictures (“life is a journey”).

2. Evokes emotion – metaphors/similes connect to readers’ feelings.

3. Gives depth – suggests layers of meaning beyond literal words.

4. Adds freshness/creativity – avoids flat, ordinary expression.

What is a literary symbol as opposed to a cultural symbol?

Literary = specific to the story/poem; cultural = universally recognized (e.g., a dove for peace).

How are image, metaphor, and symbol distinguishable from each other?

• Image = sensory description.

• Metaphor = comparison.

• Symbol = object/action that represents more than itself.

What is the difference between allegory and symbol? 

A symbol stands for more than itself but still functions as itself. Allegory is an extended system of connected symbols (e.g., Animal Farm as an allegory of Soviet communism).

How are verbal irony, situational irony and dramatic irony alike and different?

• All involve contrast between appearance and reality. They differ in source: verbal comes from speaker’s words, situational from events, dramatic from knowledge gap.

What is satire and how is sarcasm associated with it?

• Use of humor/irony to expose or criticize vice or folly

• Sarcasm is harsh, biting verbal irony; satire can include sarcasm but often aims at reform, not just ridicule.

What is an allusion and how is it similar to connotative language and symbols?

• Allusion: Indirect reference to history, myth, literature, or culture.

• It carries extra meaning beyond words, depending on shared cultural knowledge

What are the four most important sources of allusions in literature?

Bible, classical mythology, Shakespeare, other major literature.

What elements of poetry contribute to tone?

Word choice, imagery, figurative language, rhythm, and sound devices.

What is meant by a tone shift?

Change in attitude within a poem, often signaled by contrast in diction, imagery, or rhythm.

Why are repetition and variation essential in all music? 

They create unity and pattern while preventing monotony. Repetition strengthens memory, and variation keeps interest.

What is the difference between masculine and feminine rhyme?

Masculine: single stressed syllable (fight/night).
Feminine: two or more syllables, stress earlier (motion/ocean).

What four generalizations does Sound & Sense make about scansion?

1. Don’t force unnatural stresses.

2. Listen for natural speech rhythms.

3. Look for recurring patterns but allow flexibility.

4. Meaning of poem > perfect meter.

What are the effects of rhythm and meter?

Can speed/slow pace, emphasize ideas, mimic natural movement (heartbeat, gallop), reinforce mood.

What are the four general headings used by Perrine in Sound & Sense to describe how poets use sound to reinforce meaning?

1. Control of repetition/variation creates structure and emphasis.

2. Sound qualities (euphony/cacophony) match subject matter.

3. Rhythm and pace reflect movement or mood (fast for urgency, slow for solemnity).

4. Overall sound pattern creates atmosphere, intensifies emotional effect.