Poetry Unit AP Lit

A word that imitates the sound it describes. Adds excitement, action, and interest.

a, e, i, o, u, sometimes w, y

f, h, j, l, m, n, r, s, v, w, c, g, z. Contribute to a fluidity that is euphonious.

k, p, t, b, d, q, c. Creates a harsher sound that is cacophonous

Repetition of initial consonant sounds.

Repetition of vowel sounds. Creates rhythm and has a flow-on effect. Gives a piece a lyrical effect. Sounds pleasing.

Repetition of consonant sounds. Slows down the reading process and encourages repetition of a group of words.

the quality of being pleasing to the ear through a harmonious combination of words.

A harsh discordant mixture of sounds.

Mute followed by a vowel. Creates a cacophonous effect

l, m, n, r. Creates a fluidity that is euphonious.

The metrical composition of a poem.

Analyzing the arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables.

metrical foot consisting of one unstressed syllable followed by one stressed syllable. Mimics human natural speech patterns

metrical foot consisting of one stressed syllable followed by one unstressed syllable. Disrupts the rhythm of a poem and emphasizes the point.

a metrical foot consisting of one stressed syllable followed by two unstressed syllables. Creates a heavy and grandiose tone.

a metrical foot consisting of two unstressed syllables followed by one stressed syllable. Gives poems a naturally jaunty and buoyant feeling that helps the words flow freely.

A metrical foot containing two stressed syllables. Changes the rhythm of a line. Interrupts the metrical composition of the poem.

A break between words within a metrical foot. Provides a place to take a breath or adds a dramatic flair.

5 metric feet within an iambic line. Mimics normal human speech patterns. Used by Shakespeare.

suggest great power or scope since they go beyond ordinary lung capacity

convey agitation, restlessness, excitement

The end and the beginning of a line, when the line turns so as to interrupt the logical phrase (speeds up line)

Rhyme in which the final accented vowel and all succeeding consonants or syllables are identical. Holds poems together by giving continuity and creates echoes back to earlier words.

Rhyming words have similar, yet not identical vowel sounds. Catches the reader by surprise and subverts their expectations, delivering a satisfyingly unexpected twist.

When the line turns so as to interrupt the logical phrase. Impels the reader forward by inciting curiosity.

A line that is an entire sentence or a grammatically & logically complete phrase.

Two lines of verse, usually in the same meter and joined by rhyme. Create a kind of beat and rhythm that can be used to create repetition and emphasis.

A group of three lines of verse. (Italian Sonnet). Builds momentum that pushes the narrative forward.

A stanza with four lines. Allows for a fuller expression of ideas.

3 quatrains with a concluding couplet. Develops a sense of progression within the poem.

An eight line stanza and a six line stanza with: ABBABBA and CDCDCD or CDECDE. First stanza presents problem and second stanza presents the solution.

Poetry that does not rhyme of have a regular meter. Form is defined by feelings and letting the language dictate the terms of the poem itself.

An idea or feeling that a word invokes.

The dictionary definition of a word.

Visually descriptive language.

Comparison using "like" or "as"

Comparison without "like" or "as"

The attribution of a personal nature of human characteristics to something non-human.

Making an indirect reference.

The substitution of the name of an attribute or adjunct for that of the thing meant. Creates concrete and vivid images in place of generalities.

A part made to represent the whole or vice versa. Emphasizes the certain parts of a whole.

A speech to a person who is not present or to a personified object. To personify something not living.

c, f, g, h, j, s, x. Contribute to a fluidity that is euphonious.