Figures of Speech
This figure of speech compares two things using “like” or “as.”
simile
What is the repetition of initial consonant sounds called?
alliteration
What is imagery?
language that creates mental pictures through the senses
A poem with fourteen lines, usually written in iambic pentameter, is called a _____.
a sonnet
Identify the figure of speech:
“The wind whispered through the trees.”
personification
What is the most common poetic foot in English poetry?
an iamb
What is the difference between denotation and connotation?
Denotation is the literal meaning of a word, while connotation is the emotional or implied meaning associated with it.
What is the mood of a poem?
Mood is the feeling or atmosphere a poem creates for the reader.
Explain the difference between a metaphor and a symbol.
A metaphor compares two unlike things directly, while a symbol represents both itself and a deeper meaning.
What is scansion, and why is it important when reading poetry?
Scansion is the process of marking meter and stressed syllables in poetry to help readers understand rhythm and structure.
Why might two readers interpret the same symbol differently?
Readers bring different experiences, perspectives, and contexts to interpretation.
What should a reader look for when trying to identify the theme of a poem?
Readers should look at repeated ideas, symbols, imagery, tone, and the overall message the poet communicates.
Create your own example of irony and explain why it is ironic.
Answers will vary, but students should explain the contradiction between expectation and reality.
Read the line: “A bird came down the walk.”
Identify both the meter and line length.
iambic trimeter
Why do poets use imagery in poetry?
Poets use imagery to help readers picture, hear, feel, taste, or experience the poem more vividly.
How do poetic devices such as imagery, symbolism, and meter help communicate a poem’s theme?
They develop mood, emphasize ideas, add deeper meaning, and help readers connect emotionally to the theme.