Definition of Alliteration Alliteration is the repetition of the same consonant sounds at the beginning of words that are in close proximity to each other. This repetition of sounds brings attention to the lines in which it is used, and creates more aural rhythm. In poems, alliteration can also refer to repeated consonant sound in the stressed syllables of a line.
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Poem
Definition of Poem A poem is a work of literature that uses the sounds and rhythms of a language to evoke deeper significance than the literal meanings of the words. There are numerous literary devices that may be found in any given poem, such as meter, rhyme, rhythm, symbolism, imagery, repetition, consonance, assonance, alliteration, enjambment, and so on. Furthermore, there
Read moreLimerick
Definition of Limerick A limerick is a poetic form comprised of one stanza with five lines and a rhyme scheme of AABBA that usually is humorous. The humor can be clean, though it often verges on the obscene. The first, second, and fifth lines of limerick examples often contain three anapestic feet while the third and fourth lines are shorter,
Read moreKenning
Definition of Kenning A kenning is a metaphorical compound phrase that replaces a single, concrete noun. A kenning employs figurative language to represent the simpler concept, such as using the phrase “battle-sweat” to refer to blood. Kennings are plentiful in Old Norse and Old English poetry and prose. The word kenning comes from the Old Norse verb kenna, which means
Read moreSibilance
Definition of Sibilance Sibilance is a special case of consonance in which the repeated consonant sound is either s, sh, z, or any of the other recognized sibilant sounds. Sibilance occurs when the repetition of these specific consonants are in close proximity. Linguists define sibilant sounds as any consonant that requires pushing air past the tongue without closing the mouth
Read moreEuphony
Definition of Euphony Euphony refers to the quality of being pleasant to listen to. Euphony generally comes about through a harmonious combination of sounds and words. An author can create euphony in many different ways, such as using pleasant vowel and consonants, or by employing other literary devices, such as rhythm, rhyme, consonance, and assonance to create an overall harmonious
Read moreChiasmus
Definition of Chiasmus Chiasmus employs two or more clauses which are related grammatically and conceptually, but in which the grammar and concepts are reversed. Chiasmus is a figure of speech that displays inverted parallelism. A simple chiasmus can be broken into parts labeled ABBA. For example, look at the following sentence: We ran away quickly; speedily, we fled. The parts
Read moreRhyme
Definition of Rhyme Rhyme is a popular literary device in which the repetition of the same or similar sounds occurs in two or more words, usually at the end of lines in poems or songs. In a rhyme in English, the vowel sounds in the stressed syllables are matching, while the preceding consonant sound does not match. The consonants after
Read moreAssonance
Definition of Assonance Assonance is the repetition of a vowel sound or diphthong in non-rhyming words. To qualify as assonance, the words must be close enough for the repetition of the sound to be noticeable. Assonance is a common literary technique used in poetry and prose, and is widely found in English verse. Difference Between Assonance, Consonance, and Alliteration, and
Read moreSyntax
Definition of Syntax Syntax is the arrangement of words into a sentence that make sense in a given language. Syntax also refers to the rules and principles that govern sentence structure in a language, i.e., how words and phrases may be joined. Syntax therefore is not a strictly literary device, but instead is part of every utterance and written line,
Read moreLiterary Devices
What are Literary Devices? From the very first time humans began sharing stories, literary devices have played a key role in our history. Along with the creation of storytelling came the development of narrative elements like plot, character, and tone. As storytelling evolved over the millennia, so too did the range and complexity of techniques available to authors. Many of
Read moreConsonance
Definition of Consonance Consonance is a literary device in which a consonant sound is repeated in words that are in close proximity. The repeated sound can appear anywhere in the words, unlike in alliteration where the repeated consonant sound must occur in the stressed part of the word. Consonance is also a similar concept to assonance, which refers to the
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