Poetic Devices

Poetry

100

A part of something that is used to refer to the whole, or vice versa. "Let's take your new wheels for a spin."

Synecdoche

200

The use of words to express something other than the literal meaning. "The fire station burned down." 

Irony

300

A phrase or line repeated at intervals within a poem. Especially at the end of a stanza.

Refrain

400

A brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance. "Chocolate is my kryptonite."

Allusion

500

Repeating words, phrases, lines, or stanzas to emphasize meaning.

Repetition

Poetry is LIT

100

Expressions that are so common and overused that they do not really add any impact to a sentence. 

Cliche'

200

A joke that makes a play on words. "Donut eat my donut!"

Pun

300

Vowel sounds that are repeated within phrases or sentences that are close to each other in the text. "The bird files high in the sky."

Assonance 

400

This fast-food restaraunt is home to the best fried chicken sandwich

Popeyes

500

The continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line of poetry to the next and usually lacks punctuation after a line break

Enjambment

Definitely Not Poetry

100

A statement that seems contradictory but is actually true. "Nobody goes to that restaurant, it is too busy." 

Paradox

200

To substitute a word or phrase with a more pleasant one. "Kick the bucket" describes the death of a character. 

Euphemism

300

Vivid description that appeal to a readers senses to create an image in their head

Imagery

400

This is used in storytelling to communicate deeper meaning or something symbolic; whether it be moralistic or political. Think of the tortoise and the hare. 

Allegory

500

This poetic device minimizes the significance of something. It would be like saying, "it is a little warm today" when it is 100 degrees out and sunny. 

Understatement

Nothing to do with poetry

100

Writing in shorter lines to slow the reader down.

Line breaks

200

Identical or similar-sounding syllables in different words that are repeated.

Rhyme

300

A series of musically pleasing sounds conveying a sene of harmony.

Euphony

400

Repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of words. "Sally sold sea shells by the sea shore." 

Alliteration 

500

Differences between two things or ideas that are highlighted to emphasize their differences.

Contrast

Beware of Rhymes

100

Self-contradicting word or group of words. "Awfully good." 

Oxymoron

200

Refers to the beat or pattern you hear. It gives effect and can evoke the ______ of a train or river for example. 

Rhythm 

300

This concept is referred to by the name of something associated with the acutal thing or concept. "The Crown" in reference to a king or queen. 

Metonymy

400

A metaphor that is used from the beginning to the end of a poem.

Extended metaphor

500

A question asked in order to create dramatic effect or to make a point. This question is not meant to be answered

Rhetorical Question