Poetry/Drama

Metaphor 

figure of speech comparing two things at length and in different ways

Figurative Language

language which communicates comparisons beyond literal meanings

Free Verse

a poem without a regular pattern of rhythm or rhyme

Iambic Pentameter

pattern of five feet, each foot consisting of an iamb

Internal Rhyme 

occurs within a single line

Meter 

regular pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables

Assonance 

repetition of vowel sounds.

Ballad 

a poem which tells a story-typically meant to be performed in song

Blank Verse 

unrhyming iambic Pentameter

Couplet

a stanza of two lines which often rhymes

Rhyme Scheme

pattern of end rhyme in a poem

Pun 

a play on words often emphasizing the words' multiple meanings

Refrain 

the repetition of one or more lines in a poem

Repetition 

technique which employs repeated words, phrases, or lines for emphasis or unity

Simile 

comparison using like or as

Soliloquy 

long speech by a character who generally appears alone on stage

Tragedy

dramatic work which presents the downfall of a dignified character

Metaphor

figure of speech which compares two unlikely things

Monologue

long speech by a character when others are on stage

Onomatopeia 

words whose sound echo their meaning

Prologue 

introductory scene in a drama

Imagery

descriptive words and phrases which appeal to the readers' senses (sight, touch, etc.)

Aside 

short speech directed to the audience or another character, which cannot be heard by others on stage.