Writing Poetry:

How do they do it?

Poetic Devices

Poets achieve effects in

their readers by utilising
various poetic devices.

These are some of the

various techniques
employed in poetry.
We, as readers, need
to deconstruct
poems to identify the
use AND the effect of
these devices.

Two Main Ways

Poetic devices can be divided into two

main categories.

VISUAL IMAGERY- using

language/words to elicit the readers
senses (in other words, to make the
reader imagine things).
2. THE SOUNDS OF POETRY- the way
the language is used to create a
specific sound as read aloud.
1.

Visual Imagery

Simile- A direct comparison of two

unlike things using like or as or than.

E.G. Hes as dumb as an ox. Her eyes are
like comets.

Visual Imagery

Metaphor: A direct comparison between

two unlike things, stating that one is the
other or does the action of the other. E.G
Hes a zero. Her fingers danced across the
keyboard.

Visual Imagery

Personification: Attributing human

characteristics to an inanimate object,
animal, or abstract idea. E.G The days
crept by slowly, sorrowfully.

Visual Imagery

Hyperbole: A
deliberate
exaggeration
used for effect.
E.G. He weighs
a ton.

The Sounds of Poetry

Alliteration:

Repeated consonant
sounds at the
beginning of words
placed near each other,
usually on the same or
adjacent lines. part of
adjacent words. E.G.
Fast and furious. Peter
patted the pony.
Rascally rabbit.

The Sounds of Poetry

Assonance: Repeated vowel sounds

in words placed near each other
E.G Hes a bruisin loser. Its cool in
the pool.

The Sounds of Poetry

Onomatopoeia: Words that sound

like their meanings. E.G. boom,
buzz, crackle, gurgle, hiss, pop,
sizzle, snap, swoosh, whir, zip

The Sounds of Poetry

Repetition- The purposeful re-use

of words and phrases for effect. E.G.
I was glad; so very, very glad.

The Sounds of Poetry

Rhyme- This is the one device most

commonly associated with poetry by the
general public. Words whose endings
sound alike, E.G. time, slime, mime

The Sounds of Poetry

Rhythm- The speed

or tempo of the
poem. A fast rhythm
is often used to
create an upbeat,
happy mood (even
suspense) and a slow
rhythm expresses
sorrow or
mournfulness.

Finally . . .

Once you have understood these

poetic devices you are ready to
deconstruct some poems to explore
how they represent issues.