Poetic Devices
Lesson 2
Lesson 2
Today, we need to learn about the different types of poetic devices that poets use to write poems.
Alliteration - the repetition of consonant/vowel sounds at the beginning of words close together. Ex: Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.
Figurative language - the words a poet uses to describe one thing by comparing it to something else with which we are more familiar.
Metaphor - a statement that compares one thing or image to another without using "like" or "as". Ex: Sunshine is happiness.
Simile - the comparison between one thing and another using the word "like" or "as". Ex: He was as tall as the Empire State Building.
Imagery - the use of sensory details or images that appeal to one or more of the five senses.
Line break - used in poetry at the end of each line, intended to show a slight pause when reading the poem.
Meter - the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a verse creating a distinctive rhythm.
Blank verse - an unrhymed verse.
Free verse - poetry that does not follow a set pattern or form and is usually irregular in line length.
Onomatopoeia - words that capture the sounds they describe. Ex: CRASH, BOOM, BANG.
Personification - giving human qualities, feelings, actions or characteristics to non-human things. Ex: The desk was standing on its legs.
Refrain - a line or lines that are repeated in a poem.
Repetition - sounds, words, phrases, or structures used again and again in a poem, usually for musical effect or enhanced meaning.
Rhyme - the repetition of the same or similar vowel and consonant sounds in two or more words, usually at the end of words. Ex: pig/fig; griddle/sizzle
Rhythm - the pattern of beats or stresses in a line of poetry conveying its sense of movement or sound.
Stanza - the division in a poem named for the number of lines it contains.
Theme - the general topic or subject of a poem or poet's message.
White space - the blank space on a page of poetry created by how the words are grouped by the poet.
Some of these you are familiar with and some are new. You will need to be able to identify them in poems and incorporate them in your poetry writing. Also, you will need to know them for the assessment.
Use the Google Doc and the definitions above to figure out the different types of poetic devices. Remember to make a copy and save it in your writing folder.
When you are finished with the assignment, here is what you can do:
Just keep writing.
Keep adding seeds.
Add to a already started seed.
Decide to take a seed through the writer’s process.
Reread your writing.
Edit your writing.
Work with a writing partner (with permission).
NEVER say "I am finished"
You need to be writing for a minimum of 30 minutes.