Poetry

Doggerel

Poem with irregular rhythm, often meant to be funny.

Paraphrase

Restating a meaning in different words while keeping its essential ideas and emotions.

Metaphor

Direct comparison between two unrelated things.

Implied Metaphor

Metaphor that suggests the comparison without stating it explicitly.

Extended Metaphor

Metaphor that continues throughout multiple lines or the entire poem, developing deeper connections between the things being compared.

Controlling Metaphor

A single metaphor that dominates and shapes the meaning of a whole poem.

Synecdoche

Metaphor where a part represents the whole.

Metonymy

Metaphor where something is represented by something closely associated with it (e.g., 'the crown' meaning the king).

Speaker

The voice in a poem, which may or may not be the poet themselves.

Verse

A single line of poetry or a structured poetic composition with rhythm and meter.

Anagram

Letters of a word or phrase are rearranged to form a new word or phrase, sometimes used for hidden meanings.

Theme

The central idea or underlying message of a poem.

Lyric

A short poem that expresses personal emotions or thoughts, often in a musical style.

Narrative

A poem that tells a story, with characters, a setting, and a plot.

Epic poem

A long narrative poem about heroic deeds and legendary figures, usually involving gods or supernatural elements.

Cliché

An overused poetic phrase or idea.

Stock responses

Expected or automatic emotional reactions in poetry, often due to familiar themes or clichés.

Sentimentality

Overly emotional or exaggerated writing that tires too hard to evoke feelings.

Diction

A poet's choice of words and phrasing, which affects tone and meaning.

Poetic diction

Describes the language of poetry. It is differentiated from everyday language, like the writing in novels.

Formal diction

Proper, sophisticated word choices that create an elegant or serious tone.

Middle diction

Language that is clear, grammatically correct, neither too formal nor casual.

Informal diction

Everyday, conversational language used in poetry.

Colloquially

Language that mimics casual speech, often reflecting a specific region or group.

Dialect

A regional or social variety of a language with distinct vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation (ex: Southern U.S English vs. British English)

Jargon

Specialized or technical language used in poetry to reflect a specific profession or group.

Denotation

The literal meaning of a word, without emotional or cultural associations.

Connotation

The emotional/symbolic meanings attached to a word beyond its literal definition.

Persona

The character or voice that the poet adopts in a poem, which may be different from their real identity.

Ambiguity

When a poem's meaning is open to multiple interpretations due to unclear or layered language.

Syntax

The arrangement of words and phrases in a poem to create rhythm, meaning, or emphasis.

Enjambment

When a poetic sentence or thought continues beyond the end of a line, creating a flowing effect.

Tone

The poet's attitude toward the subject or audience, conveyed through word choice and style.

Dramatic monologue

A poem where a single speaker addresses a silent listener, revealing their thoughts and emotions.

Carpe diem (To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time)

A poetic theme meaning seize the day, encouraging people to enjoy life while they can.

Metaphysical poem

Type of poetry that explores deep philosophical or spiritual themes using complex imagery and metaphors.

Allusion

A reference in poetry to a well-known person, place, event, or literary work.

Pun

A play on words that creates humor or multiple meanings in a poem.

Image

A vivid description in poetry that appeals to the senses, helping readers visualize scenes, emotions, or ideas.