Poetry Terms

Line

A single row of words; can consist of a word, sentence, or phrase.

Stanza

A group of lines, similar to a paragraph, with a consistent rhyme scheme.

Verse

Refers to various parts of poetry, including single lines, stanzas, or entire poems.

Form

The overall structure of a poem, including line length, stanza arrangement, meter, and rhyme scheme.

Haiku

A form of poetry that consists of 3 lines with a 5-7-5 syllable pattern.

Sonnet

A poem consisting of 14 lines.

Rhyme scheme

The ordered pattern of rhymes at the ends of lines of a poem or verse.

Alliteration

The repetition of the same initial sound; enhances engagement and rhythm.

Assonance

The repetition of similar vowel sounds within nearby words; creates a musical quality.

Consonance

The repetition of the same consonant sounds in a line; enhances musicality or mood.

Onomatopoeia

Words that imitate sounds to make descriptions more vivid.

Meter

The structured rhythmic pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables within a line of verse.

Metaphor

A comparison between two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as'.

Simile

A comparison between two unlike things using 'like' or 'as'.

Personification

The attribution of human characteristics to inanimate objects.

Hyperbole

An exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally.

Allusion

An indirect reference to an important figure or event outside the text.

Idiom

A phrase that has a meaning different from the literal interpretation of its words.

Imagery

Descriptive language used to appeal to the senses and create visual representations.

Theme

The overall message the author conveys about the topic.

Tone

The author's attitude toward the subject matter.

Mood

The feeling that is created within the reader.

Point of view

The perspective from which the story is told.