literary terms

Poetic Meter

The rhythmic structure of a poem, based on the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables.

Sonnet

A 14 line poem

Volta

A turn or shift in thought, emotion, or argument in a poem.

Diction

An author’s word choice and style of expression.

Connotation

The emotional or cultural meaning of a word beyond its literal definition.

Denotation

The literal, dictionary definition of a word.

Personification

Giving human traits to nonhuman objects or ideas.

Metaphor

A direct comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as.”

Simile

A comparison using “like” or “as.”

Juxtaposition

Placing two contrasting ideas close together.

Imagery

Descriptive language appealing to the senses.

Symbolism

Using an object or event to represent a deeper meaning.

Repetition

Reusing words or phrases for emphasis or rhythm.

Irony

A contrast between expectation and reality.

Conflict

A struggle between opposing forces (human vs. nature, society, self, etc.).

Foreshadowing

Hints or clues about what will happen later.

Hyperbole

Exaggeration for emphasis or effect.

Onomatopoeia

Words that imitate sounds.

Alliteration

Repetition of initial consonant sounds.

Rhetoric

The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing.

Oxymoron

A phrase combining contradictory terms.

Satire

Writing that uses humor or irony to criticize people or society.

Ethos

An appeal to credibility or ethics.

Logos

An appeal to logic and reason.

Pathos

An appeal to emotion.