Poetry Terms
Use of words, phrases, symbols, and ideas in such a way as to create mental images for the reader
Figurative Language
The dictionary definition of a
word Example: Ornery- stubborn
(adj.)Sal was acting ornery and did not want to leave Bybanks.
Denotation
the emotions that are felt
when you hear or see a word, second definition
Example: Word- Test Connotation (Emotions) for word- Anxiety, Fear
Connotation
using sensory (five
senses) words to create a mental picture.
Example: The blackberry cobbler bubbled in the oven.
Imagery
a repeating of the same
sound at the beginning of words
Example: Sally sells sausage on Sunday.
Alliteration
an object or idea that
represents a feeling or emotion
Example: A Four Leaf Clover symbolizes good luck.
Symbol
exaggerated statement Example: His growling
stomach could be heard miles away.
Hyperbole
comparing two things
using the words like or as.
Example: The baby’s laugh is like flowers blooming in the spring.
Simile
comparing two things
without using the words like or as.
Example: A baby’s cry is a thundercloud ruining a perfect day.
Metaphor
words that sound like what
they mean Example: Boom! The car
crashed into the wall.
Onomatopoeia
giving non- living things
human characteristics Example: The stubborn pen
refused to write, so I bit it angrily and the pen’s ink attacked my face!
Personification
A poem’s paragraph
Stanza