Elements of Poetry

By Gary R. Hess http://www.poemofquotes.com/articles/elements-of-poetry.php

Elements of poetry can be defined as a set of instruments used to create a poem. Many of these were created thousands of years ago and have been linked to ancient story tellings. They help bring imagery and emotion to poetry, stories, and dramas. Here is a list of elements used within the writing of poems. Alliteration Two or more words which have the same initial sound. Example: Pretty princess Assonance A partial rhyme which has the same internal vowel sounds amongst different words. Example: The tundra left the man hungry for buns Metaphor A comparison which does not use the words like or as. Example: Life is a journey. Onomatopoeia Words that sound like their meaning. Example: buzz, moo, pow. Repetitions The repetition of the same word throughout the poem to emphasize significance. Rhyme The repetition of sounds within different words, either end sound, middle or beginning. Example: loose goose. Rhythm The flow of words within each meter and stanza. Example: Iambic pentameter. Simile A comparison using the words like or as. Example: Life is like a box of chocolates.

Style The way the poem is written. Free-style, ballad, haiku, etc. Includes length of meters, number of stanzas along with rhyme techniques and rhythm. Symbol Something that represents something else through association, resemblance or convention Theme The message, point of view and idea of the poem. In the 20th and 21st century, poets have tried to come up with new ways of adding elements. Nonetheless, many of these versions still stem from some of the older, tried and true elements.