Shanks Literary Terms & Poetic Devices

the repetition of consonant sounds within and at the ends of words

when poetry lacks a rhyme scheme or fixed metrical pattern

comparing two different things without using like or as.  Ex. He is a whirlwind.

a writer's attitude toward subject, audience, and self; how something sounds when someone speak

a pattern of sound created by the arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables in words

is the repetition of vowel sounds in a nearby words.  Its is used to set the mood.

A word formed from the initial letters in a phrase.

the use of capital letters for common nouns and/or entire words the author wishes to emphasis

a conversation between or among characters

In "O Captain! My Captain!"  Abraham Lincoln is compared to the captain of a ship.

the time, place, and circumstances in which a story takes place

when the last word of two or more lines of verse rhyme with each other.

a public address; ex. The Gettysburg Address

a reference to a biblical event, person, or place.  

how a piece of literature makes you feel

words that are close, but not perfect rhymes

he rhyming pattern of a poem

A fanciful tale of legendary deeds and creatures, usually intended for children.

reference to a historical event or custom, a work of liturature or art, or a well known person

words or phrases that appeal to the 5 senses and help create mental images

rhyme that occurs within the line of poetry Ex. score, four, and more with Casey at the bat!

the use of dashes, commas, periods, etc to show where to pause when reading, emphasis points

include pamphlets, newspapers & book like Uncle Tom's Cabin to increase anti-slavery sentiment.