Poetry Terms2014-15 School Year

Simile

Compares two things using like or as. This is used to describe something and

gives you a visual quickly.

Simile Examples

The lie formed like a blister on his lips. Means: he lied and it was ugly. Her heart was like a shattered light

bulb. Means: she was heart-broken.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCwLsXZnFl4&feature=player_detailpage

Metaphor

Compares two things without like or as. Calls one thing the other. It say it IS

the other. This is used to describe and emphasize

how similar the two are.

Metaphor Examples

That guy is a motor mouth. Means that guy is never quiet That athlete is a powerhouse. Means the athlete is strong http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature

=player_detailpage&v=T3E9Wjbq44E

Personification

This is giving human characteristics to non-human things.

It is used to make something feel more alive.

Personification Examples

The camera hates me. Means: I take an awful picture. Technology is out to get me! Means: I can’t get it to work when I

want it to. http://youtu.be/YnWKLGybCiA

Hyperbole

Exaggeration, over the top. It is used to make something dramatic

and funny.

Hyperbole Examples

Sounds like a herd of buffalo! Working like a dog! She’s madder than an old wet hen! I bit off more than I can chew! http://www.buzzle.com/articles/hyperbo

le-examples.html

Idiom

These are common sayings in our language that aren’t literal.

We use them to sound more casual, to exaggerate, compare, or visualize.

Idiom Examples

It’s raining cats and dogs Two peas in a pod http://www.idiomsite.com/

Onomatopoeia

A word that makes a sound as you say it.

This is used to create sound in the poem and make it more exciting and realistic.

Onomatopoeia Examples

The water gurgled down the drain. The little kid slurped his soup. The noisy chicken clucked her head

off! http://youtu.be/eQYU8UEgudQ

Alliteration

These are words in a row that begin with the same sound.

This creates sound in a poem and highlights certain phrases.

Alliteration Examples

Sally Sold seven sea shells at the sea shore.

The crazy cat climbed up the crooked cable.

Imagery

This creates visuals in your mind. It helps you feel like you are there and

you are experiencing what is in the story.

Imagery Examples

The sun was shining on the sea,Shining with all his might: He did his very best to makeThe billows smooth and bright -And this was odd, because it wasThe middle of the night. 

Mood

The feeling the poem gives off when you read it.

This is used to make you feel a certain way to experience the poem.

Mood Examples

http://faculty.weber.edu/chansen/humanweb/projects/MeghanUng/bearinthere.htm

Rhythm

This is the beat of the poem—created by syllables.

This is used to create sound in the poem and it can affect the mood, too.

Rhythm Examples

http://www.poetry4kids.com/poem-270.html#.Upz8zdnNnFw

Rhyme

These are words that have the same end sound.

Look at the last word in a line. This creates sound and highlights

certain words/ideas.

Rhyme Example

Rose-nose-goes Bryce-rice-nice Hat-vat-sat

Rhyme Scheme

This is the pattern of rhyme in the last word in each line.

This creates a consistent sound and can affect the mood and rhythm.

Rhyme Scheme Example

My cat is nice. aMy cat likes mice. aMy cat is fat. bI like my cat. b

My cat is nice. aMy cat is fat. bMy cat likes mice. aI like my cat. b

Repetition

Repeating a word or phrase over and over. 

used to emphasized a particular point OR to making a poem easier to memorize.