7/30/2019 Poetic Devices Key

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Literary terms glossary

extended metaphor A metaphor that continues over multiple sentences, and that is sometimes

extended throughout an entire work.

Why Writers Use it: Extended metaphors allow writers to draw a larger

comparison between two things or ideas. In rhetoric, they allow the

audience to visualize a complex idea in a memorable way or tangible. They

highlight a comparison in a more intense way than simple metaphors or

similes.

assonance similarity in the vowel sounds of words that are close together in a poem,

for example between 'born' and 'warm'

The repetition of vowel sounds in words that are close together.

Why Writers Use it: Connecting vowel sounds creates internal rhyme. It

makes the words flow together, and can help make phrases more

memorable. Its very popular amongst rappers and lyricists, and youll be

more likely to find it in poetry rather than prose.

alliteration the use of several words together that begin with the same sound or letter

in order to make a special effect, especially in poetry

The repetition of initial sounds in two or more neighbouring words.

Why Writers Use it: It can help connect ideas, make sentences

memorable or sound musical. When overused, it can also be cloying or

irritating.

tone The tone of a poem is the attitude you feel in it the writer's attitude

toward the subject or audience. The tone in a poem of praise is approval.

In a satire, you feel irony. In an antiwar poem, you may feel protest ormoral indignation. Tone can be playful, humorous, regretful, anything

and it can change as the poem goes along.

hyperbole A purposeful exaggeration or overstatement. In Greek, it literally means to

overshoot.

Why Writers Use It: Even though the statement might not be exactly true,

it can create emphasis or also make something sound funny.

personification When an author gives objects, concepts or animals human characteristics,

emotions or abilities.

Why Writers Use It: It can make non-human objects and ideas more

relatable, since it is easier for humans to relate to another person than,

say, a mop. It can also make objects or ideas seem more vivid.

simile a comparison of two things, almost always using the words like or as.

oxymoron A figure of speech where two contradictory words are placed together.

The result is something paradoxical, or something that doesnt make

sense. Basic examples are expressions likejumbo shrimp or old news, but

they can get more complicated and expressive.

Why Writers Use It They are often inserted to highlight absurdities, or to

explain complicated or intense feelingsso complicated that they can

only be explained by words that dont make sense.Sources: http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/understanding-the-tone-of-a-poem.html

http://blog.flocabulary.com/extended-metaphor/

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