Understanding Poetic Devices

What is a metaphor?

• A comparison between two unlike things.

• A type of rhyme scheme.

• A rhythmic structure in poetry.

• A stanza of four lines.

Answer explanation

A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a direct comparison between two unlike things, suggesting they are alike in a significant way. This distinguishes it from other literary devices like rhyme schemes or stanzas.

What does personification do?

• Gives human traits to non-human things.

• Creates a rhythmic structure.

• Symbolizes life choices.

• Describes the setting.

Answer explanation

Personification gives human traits to non-human things, allowing readers to relate to and understand these objects or concepts better. This technique enhances imagery and emotional connection in literature.

What is symbolism?

• The use of symbols to represent ideas.

• A type of meter in poetry.

• A stanza of five lines.

• The poet's attitude.

Answer explanation

Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas, making it the correct choice. The other options refer to different literary concepts, such as meter, stanza structure, and tone.

What is meter in poetry?

• The rhythmic structure of lines.

• A type of rhyme scheme.

• A comparison between two unlike things.

• A stanza of four lines.

Answer explanation

Meter in poetry refers to the rhythmic structure of lines, determining the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables. This is essential for creating the musical quality of a poem, making "The rhythmic structure of lines" the correct choice.

What is an iamb?

• A metrical foot with an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable.

• A type of rhyme scheme.

• A stanza of five lines.

• A human trait given to non-human things.

Answer explanation

An iamb is defined as a metrical foot consisting of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable, making the first answer choice correct. The other options describe different literary concepts.

What is an anapest?

• Two unstressed syllables followed by one stressed syllable.

• A type of rhyme scheme.

• A stanza of four lines.

• A metrical foot with a stressed syllable followed by an unstressed syllable.

Answer explanation

An anapest is defined as a metrical foot consisting of two unstressed syllables followed by one stressed syllable, making the correct choice the first option. The other options describe different poetic elements.

What is a stanza?

• A grouped set of lines in a poem.

• A type of rhyme scheme.

• A metrical foot.

• A human trait given to non-human things.

Answer explanation

A stanza is defined as a grouped set of lines in a poem, similar to a paragraph in prose. The other options refer to different poetic elements, but only the first choice accurately describes what a stanza is.

What does tone refer to in poetry?

• The poet's attitude toward the subject.

• The rhythmic structure of lines.

• A stanza of five lines.

• A type of rhyme scheme.

Answer explanation

In poetry, tone refers to the poet's attitude toward the subject, conveying emotions and perspectives. This choice accurately captures the essence of tone, unlike the other options which describe structural elements.

What is a theme in poetry?

• The central idea or message.

• A type of meter.

• A stanza of four lines.

• A human trait given to non-human things.

Answer explanation

In poetry, a theme refers to the central idea or message that the poet conveys through their work. It encapsulates the underlying meaning and emotional resonance, distinguishing it from other elements like meter or structure.

What is a quintain?

• A stanza or poem consisting of five lines.

• A type of rhyme scheme.

• A metrical foot.

• A human trait given to non-human things.

Answer explanation

A quintain is defined as a stanza or poem consisting of five lines, making the first answer choice correct. The other options refer to different literary concepts that do not match the definition of quintain.