Analysing Unseen Poetry Flashcards

A poem about grief uses the extended metaphor of a winter landscape throughout. What is the term for this technique?

Answer: Conceit

A conceit is an extended, elaborate metaphor that structures a significant portion or all of a poem.

When comparing two unseen poems in an exam, which approach is most effective?

Answer: Compare methods and effects simultaneously, linking the poems thematically

Effective comparison weaves both poems together, exploring how each poet uses methods differently or similarly to achieve related or contrasting effects.

The line 'the crowd roared like thunder' uses which technique?

Answer: Simile

A simile makes a direct comparison using 'like' or 'as,' here comparing the crowd's roar to thunder.

A poet uses the repeated 'hissing' s-sounds in 'the snake slithered silently through the silver grass.' What is this called?

Answer: Sibilance

Sibilance is the repetition of 's' and 'sh' sounds, often used to create a hissing or whispering effect.

Which statement about free verse is accurate in the context of unseen poetry analysis?

Answer: It lacks a regular meter or rhyme scheme, giving the poet freedom to mirror natural speech or thought

Free verse has no fixed meter or rhyme scheme, allowing poets to shape lines according to meaning, emotion, or speech patterns.

A poet places a single, isolated line as the final stanza of a poem. What effect might this create?

Answer: It emphasises that line, giving it finality, weight, or a sense of isolation

An isolated final line draws attention to itself, often delivering a clinching idea, emotional punch, or haunting conclusion.

In unseen poetry, the term 'imagery' refers to:

Answer: Language that appeals to the senses and creates mental pictures

Imagery encompasses any language that evokes sensory experience — visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, or gustatory.