Poetry Terms

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Simile

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A figure of speech that compares two different things using 'like' or 'as'. Example: 'Her smile was like the sun.'

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Metaphor

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A figure of speech that makes a direct comparison between two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as'. Example: 'Time is a thief.'

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Ballad

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A type of poem that tells a story, often set to music, and typically has a rhyme scheme.

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Stanza

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A group of lines in a poem, similar to a paragraph in prose, that often share a common theme or idea.

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Symbol

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An object, character, figure, or color used to represent abstract ideas or concepts. Example: A dove symbolizes peace.

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Tone

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The attitude or emotional quality of a poem, conveyed through word choice and style.

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Theme

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The central idea or underlying message of a poem, often reflecting on human experience.

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Imagery

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Descriptive language that appeals to the senses and creates vivid mental pictures.

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Alliteration

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The repetition of the same initial consonant sounds in a sequence of words. Example: 'She sells sea shells by the sea shore.'

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Hyperbole

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An exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally, used for emphasis or effect. Example: 'I'm so hungry I could eat a horse.'