English Language literary technique Flashcards
Personification
Is when you give human characteristics to something non human to create imagery
Pathetic fallacy
Is when you give human emotions to non-human things like objects animals or the weather (most common)
Alliteration
Alliteration is the occurrence of the same sound or letter at the beginning of words next to each other
Sibilance
Is alliteration but with the letter S
Paragraphs
A piece of writing which contains one key point
Assonance
When 2 or more words close to one another repeat the same vowel sound but start with different consonant sounds.
“Although she was frAIl, she had a grAce that trAIled her everywhere”
Onomatopoeia
When the word sounds like the sound they are describing
“Bang”
Emotive language
Is used to create a strong emotional response
Figurative language
Is using figures of speech to be more impactful, effective or persuasive. Such as metaphors or similes
Imagery
Language and description used to appeal to the five senses. Often, imagery includes similes and metaphors”
Anthropomorphism
This is when we make something that is not human, do or say things that make them human. Difference between anthropomorphism is when something inhuman actually does human - like things, while personification creates imagery where something inhuman seems human.
Symbolism
When one idea, feeling or emotion is represented by something else. For example The colour black is often used to represent death or evil
Parenthetical remark
A parenthetical remark is one that explains or qualifies something.
“I am hungry, but I only want to eat chips”
Cliché
A phrase or opinion that is overused and portrays a lack of original knowledge. “frightened to death”
Pathos
When language creates pity or sadness in the reader.
Atmosphere
The tone or feeling created in a piece of creative work
Antithesis
A person or thing that is the direct opposite of someone or something else. “Love is the antithesis of hate”
Colloquialism
The use of informal words, phrases or slang in a piece of writing
Anaphora
Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrases at the start of a phrase or sentence. For example the repetition of “I have a dream “ in the MLK speech
Connotation
The ideas, feelings or associations which we can use to add the suggested meanings of the language or imagery. The colour red could be linked to anger, passion, love for example
Ellipses
A situation in which words are left out of a sentence but the sentence can still be understood. This may be done to create tension. The symbol is …
Oxymoron
When 2 contrasting words are combined for dramatic effect or for a comedic effect. “Loving Hate”
Foreshadowing
A hint, warning or indication of a future event.
E.g. In narrative writing, the writer may reveal that the character is adjusting their gun in its holster. This foreshadows that something dangerous is going to happen
Juxtaposition
Is 2 things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect.
E.g. It was the best of times and the worst of times
Hyperbole
An exaggerated statement, not meant to be taken literally, but used to create dramatic effect
“The whole word was watching me”.
Irony
The use of words to convey a meaning that is opposite of its literal meaning - saying the opposite of something that is true or real.
E.g. Somebody buys a gun to protect themselves, than dies to somebody breaking into their house and shooting them.
Rule of three
The use of three adjectives or phrases to emphasise your ideas.
What do you have to look for when the question is about structure
- How the text is put together
- Consider why the writer chooses to say something or do something at that particular point in the text.
- Consider how characters or events develop throughout the text.
semantic field
A group of words that are linked by meaning, for example words about family or words linked to the supernatural.
