Poetry Terms

refers to the literal or dictionary definition of a word, the specific, objective, and generally
Denotation: agreed-upon meaning of a word. It is the most basic and straightforward meaning of a word,
without any emotional or cultural associations.
Example: The denotation of the word "dog" is a domesticated mammal of the species Canis lupus
familiaris, typically known for its loyalty and companionship with humans.
Connotation:
refers to the additional, often subjective, emotional, cultural, or implied meanings and associations that a word carries beyond
its denotation. Connotations can vary from person to person and are influenced by personal experiences, culture, and context.
Example: Consider the word "home." Its denotation is a place where one lives. However, the connotations of "home" can vary
widely. For some, it may evoke feelings of warmth, comfort, and security, making it a positive word.
Imagery: Imagery refers to the use of vivid and descriptive language that appeals to the senses, creating
mental pictures for the reader.

Example: The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink
Metaphor: A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly compares two unrelated things by stating that one
thing is another.

Example: Her smile was a ray of sunshine in my gloomy day.

Simile: A simile is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things using "like" or "as."

Example: He was as busy as a bee in the flower garden.

Metonymy: Metonymy is a figure of speech in which one word or phrase is substituted with another with which
it is closely associated.

Example: The White House issued a statement today. (The White House represents the U.S.
government.)
Personification: Personification gives human characteristics to non-human entities or objects.

Example: The wind whispered through the trees.

Synecdoche:
Synecdoche is a figure of speech where a part is used to represent the whole or vice versa.

Example: All hands on deck! (Hands represent the sailors on the ship.)

Symbolism: Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent abstract ideas or concepts.

Example: The dove is a symbol of peace.

Allegory: Allegory is a narrative in which characters and events represent abstract ideas and moral qualities.

Example: George Orwell's "Animal Farm" is an allegory for the Russian Revolution and the rise of
totalitarianism.
Paradox: A paradox is a statement that appears contradictory but may reveal a deeper truth.

Example: Less is more.

Hyperbole/ Overstatement:Hyperbole is an exaggeration used for emphasis or effect.

Example: I've told you a million times to clean your room!

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Litotes/ Understatement: Understatement is a figure of speech that downplays the importance or magnitude
of something.

Example: The hurricane did cause a bit of damage to our neighborhood.

Verbal Irony: Verbal irony occurs when a speaker says one thing but means the opposite.

Example: On a rainy day, someone might say, "What a beautiful day."

Sarcasm: : Sarcasm is a form of verbal irony that is meant to mock or convey contempt.

Example: "Oh, great! Another flat tire. Just what I needed today."

Dramatic Irony: Dramatic irony is when the audience knows something that the characters in a story do not.

Example: In a horror movie, the audience knows the killer is hiding in the closet, but the
character does not.

Situational Irony: Situational irony occurs when there is a contrast between what is expected to happen and
what actually happens.

Example: A fire station burns down.

Allusion: An allusion is a reference to a well-known person, place, event, or literary work.

Example: He had the strength of Hercules.

Tone: Tone refers to the author's attitude or emotional stance toward the subject matter.

Example: The tone of the poem was melancholic and reflective.

Alliteration: Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected
words.

Example: She sells seashells by the seashore.

Assonance: Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within words in close proximity.
Example: The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain.

Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds in the middle or end of words in close
Consonance:
proximity.

Example: Mike likes his bike

Internal Rhyme: Internal rhyme is when words within the same line of verse rhyme with each other.
Example: Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary...

End rhyme is the rhyming of words at the end of lines in poetry.

End Rhyme:
Example: Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are.
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