Poetic Elements FLASHCARDS 2025

Front

The repetition of initial sounds in neighboring words is called _________.

Back

Alliteration

Answer explanation

The repetition of initial sounds in neighboring words is known as alliteration. It is a common literary device used to create rhythm and emphasis in writing.

Front

An implied or indirect reference in literature to a familiar person, place, or event is called _________.

Back

Allusion

Answer explanation

An implied or indirect reference to a familiar person, place, or event is known as an 'allusion'. This distinguishes it from other literary devices like metaphor, simile, and hyperbole, which serve different purposes.

Front

Language that cannot be taken literally but is written to create a special effect or feeling is called _________.

Back

Figurative language/ speech

Answer explanation

Language that cannot be taken literally but is used to evoke feelings or effects is known as figurative language. It includes metaphors, similes, and other devices that enhance expression beyond the literal meaning.

Front

The overall structure or shape of a work that frequently follows an established design is called _________.

Back

Form

Answer explanation

The term 'Form' refers to the overall structure or shape of a work, often adhering to established designs. It encompasses the arrangement and organization of elements, making it the correct choice for the blank.

Front

A category used to classify literary works, usually by form, technique, or content is called _________.

Back

Genre

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Genre' because it refers to a category that classifies literary works based on their form, technique, or content, distinguishing them from other types of literature.

Front

An exaggeration or overstatement (e.g., I had to wait forever) is called _________.

Back

Hyperbole

Answer explanation

An exaggeration or overstatement, like 'I had to wait forever', is known as hyperbole. It emphasizes a point through extreme exaggeration, making it the correct choice here.

Front

An expression that is peculiar to itself grammatically and cannot be understood from the individual meanings of its elements is called _________.

Back

Idiom

Answer explanation

An idiom is a phrase where the meaning cannot be deduced from the individual words, making it unique grammatically. For example, 'kick the bucket' means to die, which is not apparent from the words themselves.

Front

Fill in the blank: Writing or speech that is not intended to carry real meaning is called _________.

Back

Literal meaning

Answer explanation

Writing or speech that is not intended to carry real meaning is called 'literal meaning.' This term refers to expressions that are straightforward and devoid of metaphorical or symbolic significance.

Front

The comparison of two unlike things in which no word of comparison (like or as) is used is called _________

Back

Metaphor

Answer explanation

A metaphor directly compares two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as'. For example, saying 'Time is a thief' implies time steals moments, illustrating the concept of a metaphor.

Front

A storytelling tool or device an author uses to produce the desired artistic effect is called _________.

Back

Narrative technique

Answer explanation

A storytelling tool or device that an author uses to create artistic effects is known as a narrative technique. This encompasses various methods, including foreshadowing and plot twists, but the broad term is narrative technique.