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 |
|---|---|---|
| Jamb | A metrical foot in a poem that includes two syllables: an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable. It is the opposite of a trochee. | The use of jambs in the poem provided a natural, flowing rhythm. |
| Jargon | Specialized language used by a particular profession or group, often used in poetry to give a sense of authenticity or to create a particular mood. | The poet’s use of medical jargon added realism to the depiction of the hospital scene. |
| Jeremiad | A long literary work, usually prose, but sometimes in verse, in which the author laments the state of society and its morals in a serious tone. | Many of the speeches of Martin Luther King Jr. could be considered modern-day jeremiads. |
| Jest | A joking or mocking remark, often used in poetry to lighten the mood or add humor. | The poet’s jest at the beginning of the poem contrasted with the more serious tone that followed. |
| Jingle | A short verse or song marked by catchy repetition and bouncy rhythm, often used in advertising. | The poet’s jingle was memorable and effective, embedding itself in the reader’s mind. |
| Journey Motif | A common theme in poetry where the protagonist undergoes a journey, symbolizing growth, self-discovery, or transformation. | The poet used the journey motif to explore the character’s inner transformation. |
| Judgment | A theme in poetry that deals with the concept of justice, often exploring moral or ethical decisions. | The poet’s exploration of judgment revealed the complexities of right and wrong. |
| Juncture | The transition between different sounds, syllables, or words in speech, often used in poetry to create a specific rhythm or flow. | The poet’s careful use of juncture made the lines flow smoothly from one to the next. |
| Juxtaposition | The placement of two or more ideas, characters, actions, settings, phrases, or words side by side for the purpose of comparison, contrast, or rhetorical effect. | The juxtaposition of the serene nature scene with the chaos of battle heightened the poem’s emotional impact. |