Ever feel lost in a labyrinth of language when reading poetry? This quick glossary will illuminate your path, demystifying some common (and not-so-common) poetry terms.
**Alliteration:** The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words (e.g., "slippery slope"). It's all about sound and rhythm.
**Assonance:** The repetition of vowel sounds within words (e.g., "the rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain"). Creates a musical effect.
**Metaphor:** A comparison between two unlike things without using "like" or "as" (e.g., "He is a lion on the battlefield").
**Simile:** A comparison between two unlike things using "like" or "as" (e.g., "He is as brave as a lion").
**Imagery:** Descriptive language that appeals to the five senses. It paints a picture for the reader.
**Rhyme Scheme:** The pattern of rhymes at the end of lines in a poem (e.g., AABB, ABAB).
**Stanza:** A group of lines forming a unit in a poem (like a paragraph in prose).
With these terms in your toolkit, you'll be better equipped to appreciate the artistry and depth of poetry. Happy reading!
