figurative description or illustration; rhetorical images collectively
imagery
100
occurrence in a phrase or line of poetry of two or more words having the same initial sound. In Old English poetry, alliteration is the principle poetic device
alliteration
100
any sound considered with reference to its quality, pitch, strength, or source
tone
100
reference to a statement, a person, a place, or an event from literature, history, religion, mythology, politics, sports, science, or pop culture
allusion
100
the central idea or insight revealed in a work of literature
theme
200
causing grief; serious
grievous
200
a fine paid to the relatives of a murdered person to free the offender from further obligations or punishment
wergild
200
moved stealthily
skulked
200
a sheath for a sword
scabbard
200
an act or instance of placing close together or side by side, especially for comparison or contrast
juxtaposition
300
irritated; annoyed
vexed
300
a very small portion or amount
scruple
300
to advise; to caution
admonish
300
charming
winsome
300
disgusting
loathsome
400
chains for feet
fetters
400
having or showing great warmth of feeling
fervent
400
a person or animal that guards or watches over
sentinel
400
tendons or connective tissues
sinews
400
stretched tight
taut
500
state of pain or misery
affliction
500
a wood pile on which a corpse is burned during a funeral ritual
pyre
500
sympathizing; pitying
compassionate
500
Danish warrior who had questioned Beowulf’s bravery before the battle with Grendel