Poetic+Devices


 * Poetic Devices and Definitions **

__** Hyperbole: **__ an exaggeration ex. This book //weighs a ton//.

__** Alliteration: **__ a group of words where the consonant or sound is the same ex. Seven super slippery snails slithered silently.

__** Rhythm & Rhyme: **__ corresponding sound in words ex. Jack //said// that the cat is //dead//.

__** Metaphor: **__ comparing two things as they are same, but without using "like" or "as" ex. The chairs screeched in terror while being dragged across the floor.

__** Analogy: **__ a similarity/comparison between two things ex. I see no analogy between your problem and mine.

__** Repetition: **__ repeating a word/phrase/sound to add emphasis or rhythm ex. I heard the footsteps go //click! Click! Click!//

__** Personification: **__ gives human traits/qualities/feelings to inanimate objects ex. The sun smiled at me through my window.

__** Allusion: **__ a reference to something ex. Today in class my teacher made an Allusion to life in the 1700s.

__** Oxymoron: **__ contradictory terms/words ex. tragic love, the living dead, or angelic devil

__** Euphemism: **__ a substitution or vague expression for a thought that seems too harsh or offensive ex. to pass away is a euphemism for to die.

__** Imagery: **__ using words to create vivid images in ones mind ex. The bunny's fur was as soft as a feather pillow as I slowly stroked it.

__** Irony: **__ to use words to create something that is the opposite of what happened ex. When you say that you had a fantastic weekend when you were actually stuck in bed the whole time because you were sick.

__** Malapropism: **__ the act of misusing words and creating a totally different meaning. (mix-up occured because of similarity in sound or spelling) ex. (from:Launcelot the Merchant of Venice "That is the very defect of the matter, sir." (i.e., effect; Act 2, Scene II))

__** Onomatopoeia: **__ a word the sounds exactly the way that it's written ex. buzz, zip, hiss, hum, etc.

__** Satire: **__ the use of irony or ridicule; used to show the vices or imperfections of humans ex. "Forgive, O Lord, my little joke on Thee and I’ll forgive Thy great big one on me." -Robert Frost

__** Simile: **__ a comparison between two things using "like" or "as" ex. Her smile is like twinkling stars.

__** Symbol: **__ something that is used to represent something else ex. A red rose could be used to signify beauty or a dove for peace.

__** Theme: **__ the topic or main idea ex. flowers or teenagers