Explore our comprehensive glossary of poetry terms. Whether you're a student, teacher, or poetry enthusiast, our glossary will help you understand key concepts, definitions, and examples that are essential in the study of poetry.
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| Term | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Galliambic | A form of classical meter used in Latin and Greek poetry, characterized by a distinctive rhythm suitable for certain types of hymns or invocations. | The poet employed galliambic meter in his hymn, its rhythm echoing the ancient prayers of the past. |
| Genre | A category of artistic composition, as in music or literature, characterized by similarities in form, style, or subject matter. | The poet’s work spanned multiple genres, from lyric poems to epic narratives. |
| Georgic | A type of didactic poetry that deals with agricultural and rural topics, often with the intention of providing instruction or promoting the virtues of rural life. | The poet’s georgic celebrated the hard work of farmers, with vivid descriptions of planting and harvest. |
| Ghazal | A form of poetry originating in Arabic poetry, composed of rhyming couplets and a refrain, with each line sharing the same meter. Often focused on themes of love, loss, and mysticism. | The poet penned a ghazal that spoke of unrequited love, each couplet echoing the pain of separation. |
| Gleeman | A medieval entertainer who performed songs, stories, and poetry, often accompanying himself on a harp or other instrument. | The gleeman traveled from village to village, his songs and poems bringing joy to those who listened. |
| Gloss | A brief notation or explanation of a difficult or obscure word or phrase, often found in the margins of a text. | The scholar provided a gloss for each archaic term, making the ancient poem accessible to modern readers. |
| Gnomic Poetry | Poetry that expresses general truths or moral teachings in a concise, memorable way. | Much of ancient Greek and early English poetry is gnomic in nature. |
| Gnomic Verse | Poetry that expresses general truths or moral maxims, often in a concise and aphoristic manner. | The poet’s gnomic verse offered wisdom in few words, each line a lesson to ponder. |
| Gongorism | A highly elaborate and ornate style of writing associated with the Spanish poet Luis de Góngora, characterized by complex metaphors, intricate syntax, and a focus on form over content. | The poet’s gongorism made his work challenging but rewarding for those who took the time to unravel its complexities. |
| Gothic | A style of writing that is characterized by elements of fear, horror, death, and gloom, as well as romantic elements, such as nature, individuality, and very high emotion. | The poet’s gothic verses painted a dark and eerie landscape, where shadows whispered secrets of the past. |