Poetry Terms

English 9

Alliteration

Repeating the first consonant sound

Allusion

A reference to something well-known

Assonance

Repetition of vowel sounds

Consonance

Repetition of consonant sounds

Diction

Word choice

Dissonance

Harsh, clashing sounds

Ekphrastic Poetry

Describing a scene/artwork vividly

Enjambment

When a line continues without a pause onto the next

Figurative Language

Non-literal language

Form

Structure and layout of a poem

Hyperbole

Extreme exaggeration

Imagery

Descriptive language that appeals to senses

Line Break

Where a line of poetry ends

Metaphor

Comparison without "like" or "as"

Motif

Recurring symbol or idea

Onomatopoeia

Sound words

Personification

Giving human traits to non-humans

Rhyme

Words that end with the same sound

Simile

Comparison using "like" or "as"

Sound Devices

Techniques focusing on sound

Syllable

Single unit of sound in a word

Symbolism

Using symbols to represent ideas or qualities