Figurative Language
A simile
A comparison between two unlike things using
LIKE or AS
Rhyme
Repetition of similar sounds
Sounds that match
Imagery
language that creates a sensory experience for the reader
---> sight, smell, sound, taste, touch
Line
A single row of words in a poem.
Who is Xavier and what does Xiomara call him?
Xavier is her twin brother, whom she calls "Twin."
A metaphor
A direct comparison between two unlike things
Onomatopoeia
A word that imitates or represents a real sound.
Theme
A central idea or message
Stanza
A group of lines in a poem, similar to a paragraph in prose.
Who is Caridad, and how does she contrast from Xiomara?
Caridad is Xiomara's best friend. She follows the rules, essentially everything Mami wants Xiomara to be.
Oxymoron
A figure of speech where two opposite or contradictory words are put together. Contradiction within a phrase.
Repetition
repeating the same word, phrase, or idea more than once for emphasis or effect
Tone
The speaker's attitude toward the subject
Free Verse
Poetry that doesn’t follow any specific patterns in rhythm, rhyme scheme, or line length; free verse may have rhymes, but they’re not used in a prescribed manner
Who is Aman, and where do they first interact closely?
Aman is Xiomara's biology lab partner. They develop a quiet connection, and their first real hang-out spot outside of class is at a local park listening to music together.
Symbolism
When an object, color, character, or place stands for a bigger idea. A symbol does not always have one universal meaning.
Alliteration
Repetition of initial consonant sounds.
Mood
The feeling or atmosphere created for the reader.
Rhyme Scheme
The pattern of end rhymes.
The sun shines bright — A
The moon appears at night — A
I walk along the road — B
Carrying my heavy load — B
What does Xiomara's name mean?
"one who is ready for war"
Allusion
A reference to something well known. It might refer to:
History
Mythology
Literature
Religion
Famous people
Movies
Popular culture
Anaphora
Repeating the same word or phrase at the beginning of multiple sentences or lines
Diction
The poet’s choice of words
Enjambment
When a sentence or thought continues from one line to the next without punctuation at the end of the line.
What are the rules and strict expectations enforced by Xiomara's mother (Mami)?
Mami enforces a strict religious household, forces Xiomara to attend confirmation classes, bans her from dating, and forces her to do extra housework under the rule "la niña de la casa" (girls do the housework).