Comparing Poetry: Poetic Devices

Read excerpt 1 from "The Bells" by Edgar Allan Poe. What a tale of terror, now, their turbulency tells! Read excerpt 2 from "The Bells" by Edgar Allan Poe. To the moaning and the groaning of the bells. Which statement best describes the use of sound devices in the lines?

Excerpt 1 contains alliteration, and Excerpt 2 contains onomatopoeia.

Read this excerpt from "Sea Fever" by John Masefield. I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied; Which statement best describes how Masefield creates an urgent mood in the excerpt?

The rhythm and alliteration of the "c" sound emphasize the sea's demanding call.

Which phrase from the "The Bells" best conveys the mood of lines 70-94?

melancholy menace

Read the poem. The lights dim and quiet descends, Hushed whispers are barely heard As silence surrounds Until the movie ends. Which words create alliteration in the poem?

silence surrounds

Read this excerpt from "The Bells" by Edgar Allan Poe. In the startled ear of night How they scream out their affright! Too much horrified to speak, They can only shriek, shriek, Out of tune, Which statement best describes how Poe creates mood in the excerpt?

Poe uses onomatopoeia and rhyme to create a mood of panic.

Read this excerpt from "Sea Fever" by John Masefield. And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking, And a grey mist on the sea's face, and a grey dawn breaking, Which statement best describes how Masefield creates a hopeful mood in the excerpt?

The fixed meter and predictable rhyme scheme create an upbeat rhythm.

Read the poem excerpt. A backyard reality is rearranged. Hopscotch lines cower and hide, The toys in the yard . . . lost until spring. Which statement best describes the meter?

The meter is free, making the poem unpredictable.

Read the excerpt from "Sea Fever" by John Masefield. To the gull's way and the whale's way where the wind's like a whetted knife; Which sound device is most notable in the excerpt?

alliteration

Read the excerpt from "Sea Fever" by John Masefield. And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over. Which sound device is most notable in this excerpt?

assonance

Read the poem. School looms large, and I feel small I pause until the door swings wide I hoist my pack, step inside Adjust my cuffs, smooth my hair And wonder what I'm doing here. Which lines rhyme?

lines 2 and 3