Poetry makes maximum use of a sense of language, a feeling for words. The meanings, whether denoted or suggested, all add to the overall import of a poem. So in order to utilize the possibilities of words, poets employ figurative devices. Here are some of these devices:
Imagery - Language that appeals to the various senses. There are various types of sense representations:
- visual
- auditory
- olfactory
- gustatory
- tactile
- organic
- kinesthetic
Simile - a stated comparison between two unlike things or
ideas using the words as or like. Sometimes than,
similar to, resembles, or seems are used, as well.
Metaphor- an unstated comparison between two unlike
things or ideas. Sometimes the two terms are named, but often one of them, the
literal or the figurative term, are simply implied.
Apostrophe - the addressing of something non-human or someone absent as though this being or entity is alive and able...
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Personification - the attribution of human qualities to
non-human entities or ideas.
Synecdoche - the use of part for the whole e.g. "The
hand of God"
Metonymy - the use of something closely related for the thing
actually meant. e.g. "The pen is mightier than the sword."
Paradox - An apparent contradiction that provokes thought into
a deeper meaning
Pun - A play upon the meaning of words. e.g. a dying Mercutio
tells Romeo, "Tomorrow you will find me a grave man." grave/serious;
grave/place for the dead
Tone - The author's attitude toward his/her subjectIrony - A contrast between what is said or what happens and
what is meant or expected.
Symbol - Something that stands for someone/something
else