Poetry terms mini test

Assonance

The repetition of similar vowel sounds followed by different consonant sounds, especially in words that are close together

Anaphora

The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive lines in lyrics, employed to emphasize a theme or emotion, enhancing the poem's impact

Blank verse

A style found in poems that do not rhyme but follow the regular metric pattern of iambic pentameter, to maintain a rhythmic flow without the constraints of rhyming

Caesura

A deliberate pause in the middle of a line, used for dramatic effect or to allow the listener to reflect on the words' meaning.

Connotation

The association and emotional overtones that have become attached to a word or phrase, in addition to its strict dictionary definition

Diction

The poet's choice of words to convey tone, emotion, and meaning, shaping the song's atmosphere and listener's perception

Enjambment

A thought in a line of poetry syntactically extends to the next line, creating a flow that mirrors natural speech or adds urgency

Epistrophe

The repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive lines or verses in a song, used for emphasis or to build a theme

Figurative language

Words or phrases that describe one thing in terms of another and that are not meant to be taken literally.

Euphemism

The use of a milder or less direct word or phrase to discuss sensitive topics, soften the impact, or convey politeness.

Metonymy

A figure of speech in which a thing or concept is referred to by the name of something closely associated with it for analogous effect

Pathetic Fallacy

Assigning human emotions to elements of nature to enhance imagery or convey mood.

Synecdoche

A figure of speech in which a part is used to represent the whole or vice versa in lyrics, for poetic effect.

Understatement

The deliberate presentation of something as less important than it actually is in lyrics, often for ironic effect

Free verse

Poetry that does not conform to a specific meter or rhyme scheme, allowing for flexibility in expression and a more conversational tone.

Irony

The expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, often for humorous or emphatic effect.

Lyric poem

A poem that does not tell a story but expresses the personal feelings or thoughts of a speaker

Meter

A pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in poetry, lambic, trochaic, dactylic, or anapestic

lambic pentameter

A line of poetry that contains five iambic feet.

Motif

A repeating element signifies a particular theme or idea, reinforcing the poem's message

Paradox

The pairing of contradictory terms to reveal a deeper or ironic truth

End rhyme

Rhyming words at the end of lines of poetry

Internal rhyme

Rhyme that occurs within a line of poetry or within consecutive lines

Rhyme Scheme

The pattern of rhymes at the end of each line in a poem, often labeled with letters to denote which lines rhyme.

Alliteration

The repetition of the same or similar consonant sounds in words that are close together.

Sibilance

The use of 's' or 'sh' sounds to create a hissing or soothing sound, enhancing the poem's auditory texture.

Couplet

Two consecutive rhyming lines of poetry.

Quatrain

Four lines that form a distinct unit, often with a rhyme scheme, contributing to the structure of the poem

Ambiguity

A lyrical strategy where words or phrases are intentionally left open to multiple interpretations.

Apostrophe

A lyrical device where the speaker addresses an absent person, an abstract idea, or a non-human entity, often to express longing or abstract concepts.

Refrain

A line or set of lines repeated at intervals throughout a poem, serving as a thematic anchor or chorus.