AP Lit Literary Devices Flashcards
repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words
alliteration
using symbols to represent ideas or qualities
symbolism
comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as”
metaphor
repetition of similar grammatical structures for effect
parallelism
exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally
hyperbole
the author’s attitude toward the subject
tone
central idea or message of a work
theme
choice of words, especially in terms of their effectiveness and style
diction
arrangement of words and phrases to create sentences
syntax
placing two elements side by side to present a comparison or contrast
juxtaposition
descriptive language appealing to the senses
imagery
helps track recurring symbols, images, or ideas that reinforce themes, allowing for a richer interpretation of a work’s message.
motif
a narrative style that presents a character’s continuous flow of thoughts
stream of consciousness
a combination of contradictory terms
oxymoron
a contrast between expectations and reality (situational, verbal, dramatic)
irony
the atmosphere or emotional setting created by a piece
mood
continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line in poetry
enjambment
giving human qualities to non-human objects or ideas
personification
comparison using “like” or “as”
simile
a story with a hidden meaning, often moral or political
allegory
an indirect reference to a person, event, or piece of literature
allusion
assonance
repetition of vowel sounds at the beginning of words
