1. Poetic Devices Taken from Write Source 2000

2. Elements of Poetry Understanding the elements and devices of poetry will help you better comprehend the meanings of poems. Remember, often in poetry, the meaning of the words isn’t literal. It’s figurative.

3. Understanding Internalizing As you already know, figurative language and symbolism are very important to poetry. However, there are other elements that help create images, rhythm, and meaning.

4. Alliteration The repeating of beginning consonant sounds Ex: “creamy and crunchy” Ex: “nodded nearly napping” – “The Raven”

5. Assonance The repetition of vowel sound Notice the repetition of the long “i” sound in the following example Till the shining scythes went far and wide And cut it down to dry. - “The Hayloft” by R.L. Stevenson

6. Consonance The repetition of consonant sounds (differs from alliteration because the sounds can be anywhere within the word, not just the beginning) The sailor sings of ropes and things In ships upon the seas. - “Singing”

7. Idiom An expression in which the actual meaning of the words is different than the intended meaning My brother is such an egghead. So put me on! Don’t be afraid! And don’t get in a flap! You’re in safe hands (though I have none) For I’m a Thinking Cap! J.K. Rowling HPATSS

8. Onomatopoeia The use of a word that sounds like what it means buzz, gunk, gushy, swish, zigzag, zip

9. Repetition The repeating of a word or phrase to add rhythm or to emphasize an idea While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of someone gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door – - “The Raven” by E.A. Poe