Poetic Terms

Its difficult to have a good understanding of poetry without having a solid knowledge of the language it employs. The terms defined below are basic techniques that help the words to paint pictures and to convey deeper meanings. These techniques weave sensory and philosophical perceptions into a poem through language, making the words palpable.

Imagery the images of a literary work; the sensory details of a work; the
figurative language of a work The pattern of related comparative aspects of language, particularly of images, in a literary work.

Visual imagery Imagery that invokes colors, shapes, or things that can be seen. Auditory imagery Descriptive language that evokes noise, music, or other sounds. Gustatory imagery Imagery dealing with taste.

Representing subjects through symbolic references can lend mystique to poetry, by including figurative language a deeper level of interpretation is necessary to fully grasp the theme.

Figurative Language- language using figures of speech; cannot be taken literally

Metaphor A comparison between two unlike things, this describes one thing as if it were something else. Does not use "like" or "as" for the comparison In connecting one object, event, or place, to another, a metaphor can uncover new and intriguing qualities of the original thing that we may not normally notice or even consider important. Metaphoric language is used in order to realize a new and different meaning. As an effect, a metaphor functions primarily to increase stylistic colorfulness and variety. Metaphor is a great contributor to poetry when the reader understands a likeness between two essentially different things Simile A direct comparison between two dissimilar things; uses "like" or "as" to state the terms of the comparison Similes allow an author to emphasize a certain characteristic of an object by comparing that object to an unrelated object that is an example of that characteristic. Personification Attributing human characteristics to nonhuman things or abstractions a kind of metaphor that gives inanimate objects or abstract ideas human characteristics. Hyperbole an extravagant exaggeration.Hyperbole is used to increase the effect of a description, whether it is metaphoric or comic. In poetry, hyperbole can emphasize or dramatize a persons opinions

or emotions. Skilled poets use hyperbole to describe intense emotions and mental states. Allusion a reference in a literary work to a person, place, or thing in history or another work of literature. Allusions are often indirect or brief references to well-known characters or eventsAllusions are often used to summarize broad, complex ideas or emotions in one quick, powerful image. o Common allusions: Biblical, historical, literary Connotation - symbolic baggage attached to a word, significant, rich in imagerythe deeper meaning

Melodic Devices - give rhythmic, metered patterns to poetry. Incorporating melodic devices gives poetry a desired tone, making word selection vital.

Alliteration The repetition of identical consonant sounds, most often the sounds beginning words, in close proximity. Example: pensive poets, nattering nabobs of negativism Poets often use alliteration to audibly represent the action that is taking placePoets may also use alliteration to call attention to a phrase and fix it into the reader's mind; thus, it is useful for emphasis. Therefore, not only does alliteration provide poetry or prose with a unique sound, it can place emphasis on specific phrases and represent the action that is taking place. Onomatopoeia - the use of words whose sound suggests their meaning or sound words o Example: bam

Skillful use of these techniques can be used to create a poem that can inspire any emotion desired within the reader. They unite to create tone, and tone lends poignancy to the theme, which is the essence of poetry.