English - Poetic Devices

Caesura

A break in a line of poetry, created by punctuation. Could reflect a moment of realization; could reflect a moment of difficulty; could make the reader pause at a key word

Enjambment

When a sentence flows over several lines of a poem. Could highlight a word in the middle of a sentence by putting it at the end of a line break; could speed up the pace; could create a sense of something flowing; could create a sense of freedom; could surprise the reader by changing the meaning after the line break.

End-stopping

When a line of poetry ends with punctuation, or when a line is a complete phrase. Could slow down the flow of a poem; could create a more contained or controlled feeling.

Cyclical structure

When the ending echoes the beginning. Could represent a lack of resolution; could represent something enduring or lasting for a long time.

Consonance

Repeated consonant sounds (e.g. b, k, d). Could create a harsh sound; could highlight similar ideas in the consonant word.

(Perfect) rhyme

Correspondence of sounds in words (e.g. cat/bat). Could create a sense of order and control; could highlight shared ideas in the rhyming word; could highlight contrasting ideas in the rhyming words.

Rhyming couplets

When two rhyming lines are placed directly next to each other. Could reflect the coming together of two people; could create an innocent and childlike tone; could suggest control and order.

Consistent rhyme scheme

When the rhymes do not change across a poem. Could create a feeling of rigidity and confinement; could create a sense of stability and order; could conform to a particular form (e.g. a sonnet).

Irregular rhyme scheme

When the rhymes change across a poem. Could reflect a lack of harmony; sense of change or confusion.

Half/Slant rhyme

Correspondence in the ending consonant sounds of words but not the vowels (e.g. bell/fall). Could create an unsatisfying feeling; could create a feeling of incompleteness.

Free verse

When a poem does not follow a regular rhyme scheme or stanza arrangement. Could reflect an outpouring of emotion; could reflect a feeling of freedom; could create a feeling of chaos due to lack of structure; could create a conversational

Iambs

Pairs of syllables (metrical feet): one unstressed, one stressed (e.g. I am a pirate with a wooden leg is in iambs). Could create a sense of order and control; could conform to the expectations of a sonnet; could signify strong emotions such as passion or momentousness.