Poetic Devices Quiz

A combination of two words that appear to contradict each other.

Attributing human characteristics to an inanimate object, animal, or abstract idea.

A direct comparison of two unlike things using “like” or “as.”

An ordinary object, event, animal, or person to which we have attached extraordinary meaning and significance – a flag to represent a country, a lion to represent courage

A question solely for effect, which does not require an answer. By the implication the answer is obvious, it is a means of achieving an emphasis stronger than a direct statement.

The pattern established by the arrangement of rhymes in a stanza or poem, generally described by using letters of the alphabet

The use of vivid language to generate ideas and/or evoke mental images, not only of the visual sense, but of sensation and emotion as well.

The purposeful re-use of words and phrases for an effect.

• Repetition

• Rhyme

• Cliché

• Hyperbole

This is the one device most commonly associated with poetry by the general public; e.g. revival, arrival, survival

• Repetition

• Rhyme

• Cliché

• Hyperbole

Any figure of speech that was once clever and original but through overuse has become outdated, e.g. Busy as a bee.

• Repetition

• Rhyme

• Cliché

• Hyperbole