Poetic techniques
Metaphor- Comparing unrelated objects.
Simile- To compare unrelated objects using like, than, or as.
The children were as quiet as mice – simile.
The children were quiet mice- metaphor.
Effect- To make it easier to imagine/visualize.
Personification – giving living characteristics to non-living things - The walls listened carefully.
Effect- Adds drama/interest. Shows the intensity of feelings.
Assonance- The repetition of the vowel sound
Broad assonance-repetition a, o and u sounds.
Effect- Slows down to focus on the images/ thematic content.
Tight assonance- repetition of the i/e sounds.
Effect- Quickens the pace/adds a sense of urgency.
Consonance- When the non-vowel sound is repeated.
Effect- Adds aural imagery.
Alliteration – When two or more words begin with the same letter.
Effect- Can make the words stand out, highlights
visual/aural imagery.
Onomatopoeia- word sounds like what it is/does. Effect- Creates imagery aural imagery.
Anaphora- word(s) repeated at the start of a clause.
Effect-Adds emphasis.
Sibilance – Repetition of the ‘s’, ‘z’, ‘sh’ and ‘ch’ sounds.
Effect- Creates atmosphere; can soothe/ calm.
