Poetic Devices

POETIC DEVICES - A GLANCE

1. Simile :

It is a comparison made between two objects of different kinds which have some resemblance/ similarities. It is introduced by a word of comparison, such as, ‘like’, ‘as’.

Example:

Where the wind’s like a whetted life………. (Poem-1)

The wind is directly compared to whetted life, using the word like. So the figure of speech is Simile.

2. Metaphor :

It is a figure of speech that makes an implicit, implied, or hidden comparison between two things that are unrelated, but which share some common characteristics.

Example:

And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long tricks over. (Poem-1)

"When the long trick's over". The end of a long voyage is compared to the end of a long life. It is an indirect comparison, without using a word "like" or "as". So, it is Metaphor.

3. Alliteration :

It is the repetition of identical initial consonant sounds at the beginning of two or more words in the same line.

Example:

.... to the lonely sea and the sky, (Poem-1)

sea - sky are the alliterated words.

4. Personification:

Personification is a figure of speech in which a thing - an idea or an animal - is given human attributes.

Example:

And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sails shaking,…. (Poem-1)

The wind, the wheel and the white sail are given the human qualities. So, the figure of speech is Personification.

5. Imagery :

The descriptions create a picture in the reader’s mind.

Example:

And a grey mist on the seas face…….. (Poem-1)

This description creates a picture. So it is Imagery.

6. Rhyming :

It is making the last words in the lines produce the same sound.

7. Rhyme scheme:

A rhyme scheme is the pattern of rhymes at the end of each line of a poem or song. It is usually referred to by using letters to indicate which lines rhyme; lines designated with the same letter rhyme with each other.

Example:

Courage isn’t the last resort  … (Poem-2)

In the work of life or the game of sport; … (Poem-2)

It isn’t a thing that a man can call… (Poem-2)

At some future time when he’s apt to fall; … (Poem-2)

Rhyming words: See the last word in each line, "resort-sport" and "call-fall".

Rhyme Scheme: a a b b (It is based on the Rhyming words).