English Final: Poetry Terms

ode

an enthusiastic, celebratory poem written using elaborate, high diction

sonnet

a famous type of poem that is 14 lines long, written in iambic pentameter

epic

a type of long poem with ancient roots, usually centers on a “hero” and holds significance to a particular nation or people group

narrative

a type of poem that tells a story

ballad

an old type of poetry, often set to music and sung

paradox

an idea or statement that seems to contradict itself

diction

an author’s chosen style and language usage, depending on the purpose

mood

the emotional atmosphere of a poem that a writer attempts to create

imagery

the use of details that appeal to the 5 senses, bringing a poem to life

parallelism

the repetition of a similar structure or grammatical construction in a piece of poetry or other writing

stanza

a verse, group of lines together

simile

used to express similarities in two things

onomatopoeia

the word of a sound

alliteration

similar sounds at the beginning of words

lyric poetry

used to express feelings

metaphor

used to compare two things

personification

human qualities given to nonhuman things

carpe diem

seize the day

hyperbole

figurative language that gives an obvious exaggeration to prove a point

metaphysical poetry

more serious poetry (often about God, death, or love)

Lake poetry

romantic and heartfelt poetry (often about nature)

cavalier poetry

poetry that reflects a lifestyle that is simple, reckless, and enjoyable