A tercet is a?
A. figure of speech
B. Literary genre
C. Complex rhyme scheme
D. Three-line stanza
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/tercet?qsrc=2888
http://www.uni.edu/~gotera/CraftOfPoetry/tercet.html
To determine the answer to this question, we can break down the options provided and consider their definitions.
A. Figure of speech: A figure of speech is a literary device that enhances the meaning of a word or phrase through imaginative and creative language. Examples include metaphors, similes, and personification. This is not the correct answer since a tercet does not fall under the category of a figure of speech.
B. Literary genre: A literary genre is a category or type of literature characterized by specific features, themes, or styles. Examples of literary genres include poetry, drama, fiction, and non-fiction. While a tercet is a form commonly found in poetry, it is not considered an entire literary genre on its own. Therefore, this is not the correct answer.
C. Complex rhyme scheme: A rhyme scheme refers to the pattern of rhyme in a poem, with each line assigned a particular letter to represent the sound it makes at the end. Complex rhyme schemes can be intricate and include various patterns. Although tercets can be part of a complex rhyme scheme, this is not their defining characteristic, so this option is not the correct answer.
D. Three-line stanza: A stanza is a grouping of lines in poetry, similar to a paragraph in prose. A tercet specifically refers to a stanza or verse consisting of three lines. With this in mind, we can see that the correct answer is D. A tercet is a three-line stanza.
In summary, a tercet is a three-line stanza in poetry, making option D the correct answer.