A glossary of essential literary devices and poetry vocabulary. Click any term to read the full explanation with examples.
The repetition of the same first letter or sound in a group of words.
An indirect reference to something — a person, place, event, or another piece of literature.
When anything non-human, such as an animal or object, is given human qualities including emotions and actions.
Occurs when two or more words near each other have the same vowel sounds but start with different consonants.
A figure of speech that has two phrases that are parallel and opposite.
The association you automatically make with a word, including how the word makes you feel.
When an unlikely character, object, ability, or idea is introduced to quickly end the conflict.
When a sentence or phrase runs from one line of poetry to the next without a pause at the end of the line.
The repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses, sentences, or verses.
Replacing harsh words with more mild ones to soften the blow of something.
Poetry that does not follow a regular meter or rhyme scheme.
When certain words are used in a phrase to exaggerate an idea.
The process of using vivid, descriptive words to give the reader a detailed picture.
When two words are placed near one another, creating a comparison or contrast effect.
A nice, almost secretive understatement saying something negative without negative words.
When a word that fits the context is substituted with another, incorrect word.
When a word or phrase for one thing is used in place of another to make a comparison.
The rhythmic pattern of a poem, determined by stressed and unstressed syllables.
When a word or phrase is replaced with a different one which it is associated with.
When the sound a word makes mimics what the word means.
When two contradictory words are placed next to one another.
Giving human characteristics to non-human things.
When a word or sentence is used more than once within a poem.
Refers to the particular lines in a piece of poetry that rhyme.
A figure of speech using 'like' or 'as' to compare one thing to another.
A group of lines in a poem, separated by blank lines from other stanzas.
When a part of something represents the whole, or vice versa.
A word with the same or close to the same meaning as another word.
The attitude or feeling a poet conveys through word choice and style.
Refers to when a piece of work appears true and realistic.
The "turn" in a poem where the argument or mood shifts.