Glossary of Poetic and Literary Terms

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• AAA Rhyme SchemeAn AAA rhyme scheme is a pattern where the first, second, and third lines of a stanza or poem all end with rhyming words, creating a consistent and unified sound.
• AABA Rhyme SchemeAn AABA rhyme scheme consists of four lines where the first, second, and fourth lines rhyme, while the third line has a different, non-rhyming ending.
• AABBCC Rhyme SchemeAn AABBCC rhyme scheme, where pairs of successive lines form couplets, can achieve several different effects, including evoking certainty and a playful or childish quality in a poem.
• AABB Rhyme SchemeAn AABB rhyme scheme is a pattern where pairs of lines rhyme with each other consecutively (the first line rhymes with the second, and the third with the fourth).
• AABCCB Rhyme SchemeThe AABCCB rhyme scheme features paired rhymes (A), alternating new rhymes (B, C), and ends with B, creating a harmonious, cyclical flow that balances tension and resolution.
• AAB Rhyme SchemeAn AAB rhyme scheme features three lines where the first two lines rhyme with each other, while the third line has a different ending that does not rhyme with the others.
• ABABABCC Rhyme SchemeThe ABABABCC rhyme scheme alternates rhymes in the first six lines (ABABAB), ending with two consecutive rhyming lines (CC), creating balance and resolution.
• ABABCC Rhyme SchemeAn ABABCC rhyme scheme is a six-line stanza pattern where the first and third lines rhyme, the second and fourth lines rhyme, and the last two lines rhyme.
• ABAB Rhyme SchemeAn ABAB rhyme scheme, also known as an alternating rhyme scheme, is a poetic structure where the first and third lines rhyme with each other, and the second and fourth lines rhyme with each other.
• A bad workman blames his tools“A bad workman blames his tools” is used when someone wants to remind another that they shouldn’t blame their tools for their mistakes. Instead, they should take responsibility for whatever they’ve done wrong.
• ABA Rhyme SchemeThe ABA rhyme scheme is a three-line stanza where the first and third lines rhyme (A), and the second line has a different rhyme (B).
• ABBA Rhyme SchemeAn ABBA rhyme scheme is a symmetrical poetic form where the first and fourth lines rhyme with each other, and the second and third lines rhyme with each other.
• ABCABC Rhyme SchemeAn ABCABC rhyme scheme features six lines where lines 1 and 4 rhyme, lines 2 and 5 rhyme, and lines 3 and 6 rhyme, creating a unique and less common pattern.
• ABCB Rhyme SchemeAn ABCB rhyme scheme is a four-line stanza in which the second and fourth lines rhyme, while the first and third lines do not rhyme with each other or with the other lines.
• A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush"A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" suggests that it’s better to have a certain advantage than the possibility of an advantage.
• AbjectionAbjection is a literary term that refers to subjective horror, or someone’s reaction to physically or emotionally disturbing subject matter.
• A blessing in disguise“A blessing in disguise” refers to the idea that something negative can have a positive outcome.
• AbridgmentAn abridgment is a condensed or shortened version of a book. It contains the most important details and removes any digressions.
• Abstract DictionAbstract diction occurs when the poet wants to express something ephemeral, or ungraspable.
• AbsurdThe absurd is a style of writing that is influenced by humanity’s isolation and a lack of logic in the universe.
• Academic DramaAcademic drama is a theatrical movement that was popular during the Renaissance, in the 16th-century. It was performed in universities.
• AcatalecticAcatalectic refers to a line of poetry that has a complete number of syllables in the final foot.
• AccentIn poetry, the word “accent” refers to the stressed syllable in a word. Metered lines of verse are made up of different groups of syllables.
• Accentual-Syllabic VerseAccentual-syllabic verse is a type of accentual verse in which the writer uses the same number of syllables within each line.
• Accentual VerseAccentual verse focuses on the number of stressed syllables per line rather than the total number of syllables.
• AccumulationAccumulation is a literary device that relates to a list of words or phrases that have similar, if not the same, meanings.
• AcephalousAn acephalous line is a form of a catalectic line of poetry. This type of line omits the first syllable of a metrical pattern.
• A chip off the old block“A chip off the old block” is used to refer to someone who is similar to a person who was influential in their life.
• AcmeismAcmeism is a literary movement that emerged in the early 1910s in Russia. The movement is also referred to as the Guild of Poets.
• AcrosticAn acrostic is a piece of writing in which letters form words or messages. The “acrostic” is most commonly associated with poetry.
• ActantThe word “actant” is used in relation to the actantial model. This is a model that defines the roles of characters and objects.
• Act (drama)An act is a primary division of a dramatic work, like a play, film, opera, or other performance. The act is made up of shorter scenes.
• Actions speak louder than words“Actions speak louder than words” refers to the fact that acts are more meaningful than statements.
• Active VoiceActive voice is used in a phrase in which the subject performs an action which is then expressed through a verb.
• AdageAn adage is a short, familiar and memorable saying that strikes as an irrefutable truth to a wide segment of the population.
• Ad HominemAn ad hominem attack uses irrelevant information in an attempt to discredit someone's opinion or argument.
• A dime a dozen“A dime a dozen” refers to something that’s so common and plentiful that it’s practically worthless.
• Adventure StoryAn adventure story tells the tale of a protagonist’s journey. They go on an adventure or quest: one that could be personal or geographical.
• AdynatonAdynaton is a literary device similar to hyperbole. It's an exaggeration that is stretched to the absolute extreme. The proffered scenario is impossible.
• AestheticismAestheticism is a literary and artistic movement in the 18th and 19th centuries that focused on the importance of beauty.
• AffectiveThe word “affective” is used to refer to the emotional qualities of a literary work.
• Affective FallacyAffective Fallacy means wrongly evaluating a text by foregrounding its analysis on the reader's emotional responses.
• AfflatusThe word afflatus is defined as a burst of sudden inspiration. A writer, artist, musician, or other creator is powerfully inspired.
• AgitpropAgitprop is political propaganda conveyed through art, music, literature, and films.
• AgonThe word “agon” refers to the conflict between two characters in a literary work. It is used to describe the protagonist and antagonist.
• A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse!“A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse!” is a well-known Shakespearean quote that appears in Richard III. It consists of Richard III’s last words at the end of Act V Scene 4. 
• AlazonThe alazon is one of the three traditional characters in Greek comedy. They have an inflated sense of worth and often boast.
• AlbaAlba is a specific type of poetry. It’s a genre of lyric poetry from the Old Occitan period, also known as the Old Provençal.
• Alcaic StanzaAn alcaic stanza is a type of lyrical meter thought to have been invented by Alcaeus, a writer from Mitylene.
• AleatoryAleatory refers to art that’s created through random chance. This kind of writing involves the author making random choices in regard to style, content, and characters.

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