The Language of Poetry The poets choice of
- Slides: 17
The Language of Poetry {
The poet’s choice of words A good poem carries meaning on both a literal and abstract level Diction
Again, it is not just enough to identify a metaphor or simile. What matters is your ability to analyze and explain its function Metaphors and Similes
A single metaphor developed at length. Extended Metaphor
A single metaphor developed at length. Extended Metaphor
A figure of speech that communicates a second meaning along with its literal meaning Be prepared to determine how symbols contribute to a poem’s meaning and effect Symbol
Words or phrases that refer to something that can be seen, heard, tasted, smelled. Or touched Usual literal and concrete Imagery
When poets assign human characteristics to nonhuman objects Personification
A figure of speech that substitutes a word or phrase that relates to a thing for the thing itself White House “The crown will find an heir” Metonymy
This is when you substitute a part for a whole “saving my skin” Wheels Toll for the brave!/The brave that are no more, /All sunk beneath the wave Synecdoche
A historical, literary, or cultural reference to a person, place, or event Once you recognize the source, grasp the intent Allusion
A story or vignette that, like a metaphor, has both a literal and a figurative meaning Allegory
A phrase that seems contradictory or incompatible with reality Eloquent silence Jumbo shrimp Oxymoron
An apparently self-contradictory statement that under scrutiny makes perfect sense If you find this on the exam, start looking for the presence of subtexts and implied meaning “I must be cruel only to be kind” Paradox
Saying less than one means or using resraint in an ironic contrast to what might be said Understatement
A form of understatement in a which a positive fact is stated by denying a negative one Litote That soup wasn’t bad!
An exaggeration used by poets to intensify emotions, values, features, weather, etc ‘ll love you, dear, I’ll love you/Till China and Africa meet, ? And the river jumps over the mountain/And the salmon sing in the street It’s a slow burg—I spent a couple of weeks there one day Hyperbole
