Poetry Terminology

The author’s means of conveying to the reader a character’s personality, life history, values, physical attributes, etc.

• Symbolism

• Tone

• Characterization

• Setting

The repetition of consonant sounds within close proximity, usually in consecutive words within the same sentence or line.

• Simile

• Personification

• Rhythm

• Alliteration

A struggle between opposing forces which is the driving force of a story.

• Irony

• conflict

• Characterization

• Mood

 The use of specific objects or images to represent abstract ideas.

• Mood

• Setting

• Personification

• Symbolism

 The time and place where a story occurs.

• Simile

• Setting

• Metaphor

• Characterization

A direct relationship where one thing or idea substitutes for another.

• Simile

• Alliteration

• Metaphor

• Rhyme

An indirect relationship where one thing or idea is described as being similar to another.

• Imagery

• Pun

• Simile

• Metaphor

 Where an event occurs which is unexpected, and which is in absurd or mocking opposition to what is expected or appropriate.

• Irony

• Conflict

• Setting

• Characterization

The apparent emotional state of the speaker/narrator/narrative voice, as conveyed through the language of the piece.

• Mood

• Setting

• Tone

• Characterization

 Language which describes something in detail, using words to substitute for and create sensory stimulation.

• Imagery

• Simile

• Personification

• Metaphor