1. Terms and Examples PART I
Poetry
Terms and Examples
PART I

2. Form The way a poem’s lines and words are arranged on the page.
Most common forms are the ballad, epic, ode, sonnet, and free verse.

3. Lines and Stanzas
Poems are written in lines, which can vary in length. Lines are grouped together in stanzas; separated by a space.
The poet chooses the line length to fit the rhythm, feeling, or thought expressed in the poem.

4. Rhyme Repetition of sounds at the end of words
Internal Rhyme: rhyming words within the same line
End Rhyme: use of rhymes at end of lines
Rhyme Scheme: pattern of end rhymes in a poem

5. Rhythm
The pattern of sound created by stressed and unstressed syllables in a line
Stressed syllables are word parts that are read with emphasis, while unstressed syllables are less emphasized

6. Repetition
Sounds, words, phrases, or lines that are stated or used more than once in a poem.
Used to emphasize an idea or convey a certain meaning
Happy, happy, happy, so happy!

7. Symbol
A person, place, an object, or an action that stands for something beyond itself.
Example: Bald Eagle is a symbol for the United States of America.

8. Speaker
The speaker is the voice that talks to the reader in a poem like a narrator in a story
Not necessarily the poet

9. Voice The distinctive style or manner of expression
Can reveal much about the author’s or narrator’s personality

10. Free Verse
Free verse is poetry without a regular pattern of rhyme, rhythm, or meter.
Free verse is used for a variety of subjects.

12. Ballad A type of narrative poem that tells a story.
Meant to be sung or recited
Has a setting, a plot, and characters
Most have regular patterns of rhythm and rhyme

14. Epic
A long narrative poem about the adventures of a hero whose actions reflect the ideals and values of a nation or group

16. Narrative Poetry Tells a story or recounts events
Includes a plot, characters and setting
Epics and ballads

18. Lyric Poetry Presents the thoughts and feelings of a single speaker
Sonnet, elegy, ode, and free verse

20. Ode
A type of lyric poem that addresses broad, serious themes such as justice, truth, or beauty

22. Sonnet
A poem that has a formal structure, containing fourteen lines and a specific rhyme scheme and meter
Means “little song” and can be used for a variety of topics

24. Elegy
A type of lyric poem of mourning or lamentation for the dead. Usually it expresses sorrow over the death of someone the poet admired, loved or respected; sometimes it simply mourns the passing of all life and beauty.

26. Dramatic Poetry May also tell a story but focuses more on character
Soliloquies and monologues

28. Couplet Poem A two-lined poem that rhymes.
We Jack o’ Lanterns have a song
That we like to sing all night long.

29. Terms and Examples PART II
Poetry
Terms and Examples
PART II

30. Lines and Stanzas
Poems are written in lines, which can vary in length. Lines are grouped together in stanzas; separated by a space.
The poet chooses the line length to fit the rhythm, feeling, or thought expressed in the poem.

31. Terms to learn Figurative Language Alliteration Metaphor Simile
Personification
Imagery
Theme

32. Figurative Language
Writing that conveys a meaning beyond the ordinary, literal meaning
Ex. simile, metaphor, personification

33. Alliteration
The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginnings of words
Example: No one knows your name

34. Metaphor
A comparison of two things with a common quality, but it does not use the words like or as.
Example: She is a clown= she is crazy.

35. Simile
A comparison of two things with a common quality expressed using the words like or as
Example: The dog was as small as a mouse.
Example: The horse was skinny like a twig.

36. Personification
When a poet describes an animal or object as if it were human or had human qualities
Example: The tea cups in Beauty and the Beast are examples of personification.

37. Imagery Words and phrases that appeal to the five senses
Poets use imagery to create a picture in the reader’s mind
Example: The wet green grass gleamed.

38. Theme
The meaning, moral, or message about life or human nature that is communicated by a literary work
Example: The theme of “The Monkey’s Paw” might be that you should be careful what you wish for.

39. Try to write your own!