April 2022 archive

Poetry Talks – Allusion, Apostrophe, and Cliché

Here is the video Gianna and I created explaining Allusions, Apostrophes, and Clichés:

 

Allusions, apostrophes, and clichés are all literary terms commonly used in both everyday conversations and in poetry to bring a deeper meaning. Allusions in poetry are short references to something that is known to the reader or listener; an event, person, place etc. Allusions are a subtle hint at something meaningful and can bring a certain value or emotion to the writing. For example, “I’m listening to the king” alludes to the singer Elvis Presley. Apostrophes in poetry are not punctuation, but rather something that directs the attention of the reader to something else. They reference a dead or absent person, as if they were present. Apostrophes are like writing to an object, idea, or person that will not ever be able to receive it. An example would be the poem “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”, where the star is being spoken to, even though it is an inanimate object. Finally, clichés are expressions or phrases that are overused and have therefore lost meaning over time. They lack creativity and can be annoying to the reader. For example, “it is what’s on the inside that counts”. This saying is a cliché because of its overuse in literature and conversation.