meter

1. meter A regular pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables that gives a line of poetry a predictable rhythm.

2. foot The basic unit in the measurement of a line of metrical poetry. A foot usually has two or three syllables.

3. Lyric poem Lyric poems are short poems by one speaker who expresses thoughts and feelings to create a single, unified impression.

4. rhyme scheme Refers to the rhyming pattern of a poem

5. rhythm Rhythm gives a poem a musical quality that helps to convey meaning.

6. stanza A group of lines followed by a line of space. (similar to a paragraph)

7. diction A writer’s choice of words. Diction is an important element in a writer’s voice or style.

8. sarcasm The use of bitter or mocking language to point out shortcomings or flaws.

9. understatement Language that makes something seem less important than it really is. Understatement may be used to add humor or to focus the reader’s attention on something the author wants to emphasize.

10. Figurative language Language used for descriptive effect, often to imply ideas indirectly. Ex. “Ed is tall and skinny as a flagpole.”

11. overstatement To state too strongly To exaggerate

12. Controlling images A literary device employing repetition so as to stress the theme of a work or a particular symbol.

13. narrative Writing or speech that tells a story. Driven by a conflict or problem, a narrative unfolds event by event and leads to a resolution.

14. Compare/contrast to examine (two or more objects, ideas, people, etc.) in order to note similarities and differences to compare in order to show unlikeness or differences; note the opposite natures, purposes, etc