Poetry Terms

Use of words, phrases, symbols, and ideas in such a way as to create mental images for the reader

Figurative Language

The dictionary definition of a

word Example: Ornery- stubborn

(adj.)Sal was acting ornery and did not want to leave Bybanks.

Denotation

the emotions that are felt

when you hear or see a word, second definition

Example: Word- Test Connotation (Emotions) for word- Anxiety, Fear

Connotation

using sensory (five

senses) words to create a mental picture.

Example: The blackberry cobbler bubbled in the oven.

Imagery

a repeating of the same

sound at the beginning of words

Example: Sally sells sausage on Sunday.

Alliteration

an object or idea that

represents a feeling or emotion

Example: A Four Leaf Clover symbolizes good luck.

Symbol

exaggerated statement Example: His growling

stomach could be heard miles away.

Hyperbole

comparing two things

using the words like or as.

Example: The baby’s laugh is like flowers blooming in the spring.

Simile

comparing two things

without using the words like or as.

Example: A baby’s cry is a thundercloud ruining a perfect day.

Metaphor

words that sound like what

they mean Example: Boom! The car

crashed into the wall.

Onomatopoeia

giving non- living things

human characteristics Example: The stubborn pen

refused to write, so I bit it angrily and the pen’s ink attacked my face!

Personification

A poem’s paragraph

Stanza