Elements of Poems

By Gary R. Hess. Category: Poetry Articles

The definition of "elements of poetry" is "a set of instruments used to create a poem." The usages of many of these elements began thousands of years ago. Archeologists have shown that our ancestors used many of these elements within their ancient oral story. They help bring poetry, stories, and dramas. Here is a list used within the

imagery and emotion to

writing of poems to help bring emotion,

meaning, and imagination to the reader. Alliteration Two or more words which have the same initial sound. The alliteration may be separated by prepositions. Alliteration example: Pretty princess. Busy as a bee. Assonance A partial rhyme which has the same internal vowel sounds amongst different words. Assonance example: The tundra left the man hungry for buns

Metaphor A comparison which does not use the words like or as. Metaphor example: "Life is a journey." Onomatopoeia Words that sound like their meaning. Onomatopoeia examples: buzz, moo, pow, bang. Repetitions The repetition of the same word throughout the poem to emphasize significance. Rhyme The repetition of sounds within different words, either end sound, middle or beginning. Rhyme example: loose goose. Rhythm The flow of words within each meter and stanza. Rhythm example: Iambic pentameter. Simile A comparison using the words like or as. Simile example: Life is like a box of chocolates. Style The way the poem is written. Free-style, ballad, haiku, etc. Includes length of meters, number of stanzas along with rhyme techniques and rhythm. Symbol Something that represents something else through association, resemblance or convention. Theme The message, point of view and idea of the poem.
Elements of Poetry: Examples and Techniques by www.poemofquotes.com