Literary Elements a writer’s tools
The Elements Assonance Figurative Language Lyric poems Concrete poem Onomatopoeia Rhyme Simile Repetition Consonance Alliteration
Assonance The repetition of the same middle vowel sound in two or more closely grouped words Example “I must confess that in my quest I felt depressed and restless.” - "With Love" by Thin Lizzy
Figurative Language Give readers a clear picture of what is being described. Example “I have a baseball That sits on a throne…” - My Championship Baseball by Troy B.
Lyric Poems Short and songlike and express the feelings of the speaker Example Paper Birds Our minds have become intimate with words. We fly together like two paper birds. Small creeks, big rivers and the mighty sea, Sustains the lyrics of calligraphy. My friend, the lamp of sunset lights the grass. Leaves paint old panes with poems of stained glass. Deft fingers pluck the lyre-strings of the heart. Emotion is as beautiful as art. -Sandra Fowler Short and songlike and express the feelings of the speaker
Concrete Poem Poems shaped to look like the poem’s subject matter
Onomatopoeia The use of words that sound like the action or thing they describe
Rhyme End words that sound the same and mostly occur a the end of lines of poetry Example You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who’ll decide where to go. -Dr. Seuss
Simile A comparison between two unlike things using like or as Examples The sun is like a glowing lightbulb in the sky. That bear was as big as a building. My pillow is as soft as a cloud. I slept like a baby.
Repetition Repeating a word or phrase for rhythmic effect and emphasis Examples I Dream a World I dream a world where man No other will scorn, Where love will bless the earth And peace its paths adorn. I dream a world where all Will know sweet freedom’s way… -Langston Hughes
Consonance The repetition of final consonant sounds in two or more words grouped closely together Example "He gives his harness bells a shake To ask if there is some mistake. The only other sound's the sweep Of easy wind and downy flake." - Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening (Robert Frost)
Alliteration The repetition of the same initial consonant sound Example “Whereat, with blade, with bloody blameful blade, He bravely breach'd his boiling bloody breast.” - Shakespeare’s "A Midsummer Night's Dream"