Poetic Devices

The author's choice of words.

• Diction

• Mood

• Tone

• Imagery

The repetition of sounds at the beginning of words, usually close together in a line of poetry. It's not always the same letter, but use the same sound.

• Assonance

• Symbolism

• Alliteration

• Diction

Any object, person, place, or experience on a literal level representing something else, usually something abstract.

• Imagery

• Symbolism

• Figurative language

• Sensory language

The author's use of words that appeal to the senses (sight, smell, sound, touch, taste).

• Sensory language

• Imagery

• Symbolism

• Tone

Images created by the author's use of descriptive words that reveal character, reinforce theme, reinforce tone, or other reasons.

• Figurative language

• Imagery

• Sensory language

• Symbolism

The use of metaphors, similes, idioms, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia, etc. to modify the denotative meaning of words with connotation.

• Alliteration

• Symbolism

• Theme

• Figurative language

The author's attitude or feeling about the subject. It is influenced by the author's diction, or choice of words.

• Tone

• Diction

• Imagery

• Assonance

A main idea or an underlying meaning of a poem that may be stated directly or indirectly.

• Tone

• Diction

• Figurative language

• Theme

Which of the following is an example of hyperbole?

• The hyperactive hypocrite ran his mouth.
• We have been standing in line forever.
• Hundreds of flies swarmed around the dead squirrel.
• She was too tall to sit in the car comfortably.

Which is an example of personification 

• The street is my heart
• It was so hot we fried
• My eggs stared back like sick eyes
• Bam! Pow!