Poems ~ Glossary

Glossary

Alliteration
The repetition of consonant sounds,
e.g. 'I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore' (Stanza 3, line 2)

Characterization
The way the author presents characters in a story. It usually refers to the actions,
feelings and thoughts of the characters.

Climax
The most exciting part of a story.

Imgery
The use of vivid descriptions to create a word picture or image. These words or
phrases usually appeal to the five senses.

Irony
A visible contrast between what is expected and what usually exists or happens.

Metaphor
A way of comparing two or more things without using the words 'like' or 'as',
e.g. 'Life's but a walking shadow...' (line 6)

Moral Values
The lessons that we can learn from the story or poem

Plot
The series of events in a story and the way they are linked together.

Setting
The time, place and social environment of the drama in a story. It usually tells
readers when, where and what happens in a story.

Simile
A way of comparing things in an unusual or unexpected way using
the words 'like' or 'as', e.g. 'He raced off as fast as a wild stallion.'

Stanza
A group of lines in a poem.

Symbolism
Something that means more than what it is. It is an object, person, situation
or action that has a number of meanings, e.g. the pocket knife is a symbol of
power and control for Zahid in 'The Pencil'.

Theme
The main idea or concern in a story or poem. It refers to the comment the
author is making about people and situations.

Tone
The attitude of the persona in the poem. It arises from the way the persona
speaks. The tone is also reflected in the choice of words used by the poet.

[ Glossary ]