POETRY TERMS
ENGLISH
Alliteration
It is a simple yet effective repetition of initial consonant sounds.
Sibilance -> “s” alliteration
Plosive alliteration -> repetition of “p”,”b”,”t”, and “d”
Allusion
A reference to a person, place, thing, or event. Typically, writers allude to something they
suppose the audience will already know about. The concept may be real or imaginary,
referring to anything from fiction, to folklore, to historical events.
Anaphora
The repetition of the same word or phrase at the beginning of each line. This is done for
emphasis and typically adds rhythm to a passage.
Anapest
A metrical foot containing two unstressed syllables followed by a stressed syllable. It is the
reverse of the dactyl meter.
Assonance
The repetition of vowel sounds within a tight group of words. This, too, is done for
emphasis and can reinforce a central message.
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ENGLISH
Alliteration
It is a simple yet effective repetition of initial consonant sounds.
Sibilance -> “s” alliteration
Plosive alliteration -> repetition of “p”,”b”,”t”, and “d”
Allusion
A reference to a person, place, thing, or event. Typically, writers allude to something they
suppose the audience will already know about. The concept may be real or imaginary,
referring to anything from fiction, to folklore, to historical events.
Anaphora
The repetition of the same word or phrase at the beginning of each line. This is done for
emphasis and typically adds rhythm to a passage.
Anapest
A metrical foot containing two unstressed syllables followed by a stressed syllable. It is the
reverse of the dactyl meter.
Assonance
The repetition of vowel sounds within a tight group of words. This, too, is done for
emphasis and can reinforce a central message.
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