Onomatopoeia is when the sound of the word
imitates or suggest the meaning or noise of the
action described.
whoosh, bang, crash
Onomatopoeia is used to effectively emphasize a sound
or point in the poem or suggest a certain emotion the
author is trying to tell.
Metaphor
A metaphor is when one thing is said to
be another without using the words
'like' or 'as'.
The sun is a gold coin.
Metaphors are often used to help the reader understand something by
comparing it to something else the reader already understands. It can be
used for multiple different effects in a poem.
Similie
A simile is a phrase that
compares two things using the
words 'like' or 'as'.
As slow as a a snail.
Similes are also used for similar reasons as metaphors. The only
difference is that similes suggest that one thing is like the other
and metaphors say that one thing is another.
Repetition
Repetition is when the same sound or word is repeated.
Because I do not hope to turn again
Because I do not hope Because I do
not hope to turn…
Repetition is used to create a powerful and convincing effect
that produces deeper levels of emphasis, clarity and
emotional impact.
Rhythm
Rhythm is the beat in a poem.
Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house,
Rhythm contributes to the pleasure of the
reader and makes the poem easier and more
enjoyable to read.
Alliteration
Alliteration is the repetition of the first letter
in a sequence or phrase.
Peter Piper picked a packet of purple pickles.
Alliteration is used to amuse the reader and
create a playful effect in the poem.
Rhyme
Rhyme is a repetition of similar or same sounds
in two or more words.
My mother is nice,
My mother is kind,
When I eat ice, She
does not mind.
This technique keeps the poem in harmony and a rhyme
scheme helps the reader to understand what is coming.
Personification
Personification is when a
non-living thing is given human
characteristics.
The door handle grabbed at my shirt as I ran past.
Personification is used to make the thing being
personified seem more intimate and develop a
connection between the reader and the object.
Assonance
Assonance is the deliberate repetition of
the same vowel sound followed by a
different consonant sound.
The boat was soaked with water.
Assonance is a more subtle version of
alliteration that operates on a more
hidden level.