Introduction to Poetry

Terminology used in poetry

Diction level:

The style of language used in a poem, ranging from formal to colloquial, which can significantly influence its tone and meaning.

diction

refers to the choice of words and phrases in writing, shaped by the context of the poem.

denotation

the literal primary defintion of a word, in contrast to the feelings or ideas the word suggests.

connotation

refers to the emotional and cultural associations connected to a word, beyond its literal meaning.

tone

is the attitude or emotional quality of a poem, conveyed through the choice of words and stylistic elements.

Sensory Imagery

is the use of descriptive language that engages the five senses to create vivid mental pictures and enhance the reader's experience.

Synesthesia

is a literary device where one sense is described using terms from another, creating a blending of sensory experiences.

voice

is the unique style or personality of the speaker in a poem, reflecting their emotions, attitude, and perspective.

Verbal irony

is a figure of speech in which the speaker says one thing but means another, often opposite, creating a contrast between appearance and reality.

Situational irony

is a literary device where the outcome of a situation is inconsistent with what was expected, often resulting in a surprising or ironic twist.

Cosmic irony

is a form of irony where a higher power, such as fate or the gods, mocks human beings' attempts to control their lives, suggesting that humans are powerless against the universe's whims.

Dramatic Irony

is a situation in a narrative where the audience knows more about the events or implications than the characters, creating tension or humor.

repetitions

in poetry involve the intentional reuse of words, phrases, or structures to emphasize a theme or create rhythm, enhancing the overall impact of the poem.

parallel structures

are grammatical constructions that repeat the same pattern to create balance and rhythm in poetry, enhancing the flow and meaning.

constructions

are intentional arrangements of words or phrases used to convey specific ideas or emotions in poetry.

onomatopoeia

is a literary device that exploits the similarity between sound and meaning, using words that mimic the sounds they describe, enhancing sensory experience in poetry.

rhythm

is the pattern of sounds in poetry created by the arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables, contributing to the musical quality of the poem. It helps establish the poem's mood and pace, influencing how it is read and perceived.

pace

refers to the speed at which a poem is read, impacting its emotional intensity and how the reader experiences the unfolding of ideas.

Alliteration

is the repetition of initial consonant sounds in closely placed words, enhancing musicality and rhythm in poetry.

Consonance

is the repetition of consonant sounds within or at the end of closely positioned words, contributing to the poem's overall sound and harmony.

Assonance

is the repetition of vowel sounds within closely placed words, creating a musical effect and enhancing the poem's rhythm.

simile

is a figure of speech that directly compares two different things using the words "like" or "as," adding vivid imagery to poetry.

metaphor

is a figure of speech that makes an implicit comparison between two unrelated things, often stating that one thing is another, thereby creating deeper meaning and evoking imagery. Unlike similes, metaphors do not use "like" or "as" to make comparisons.

implied:

by association rather than equation.

controlling/extended:

directs the poem.

pun

play on words via homonym (same sound; different meaning).

synecdoche

part of a whole or vice versa.

metonymy:

substitution via close association.

personification:

human to nonhuman.

apostrophe

adress to absent or nonhuman.

hyperbole/overstatement

exaggeration.

understatement

low key.

paradox:

self-contradictory or not self-contradictory situation or expression,

oxymoron

two contradictory words (slient scream)

conventional

public, cultural or traditional

literary/contextual:

particular poet/poem.

archetype:

a recurring image, motif, symbol, charcter types, and plot lines recurring universally in literature, art or myth.