Literary and Creative Language Devices

Question 1

Allegory

Answer 1

Is a story that is used to represent a more general message about real life (historical) issues and/or events.
(Literary Device)

Question 2

Alliteration

Answer 2

Series of words or phrases that all start with the same sound. Example: tongue twisters. Creates a mood or atmosphere
(All 3 devices)

Question 3

Allusion

Answer 3

Indirect reference to a figure place, event, or idea originating from outside the text. Allusion only works if the receiver understands the reference.
(All 3 devices)

Question 4

Anachronism

Answer 4

Occurs when there is an intentional error in the chronology or timeline of a text. Can be used for comedic effect. (All 3 devices)

Question 5

Colloquialism

Answer 5

Informal language and slang. It’s often used by authors to lend a sense of realism to their characters and dialogues. (All 3 devices)

Question 6

Epigraph

Answer 6

Inserts a famous quotation, poem, song, or other short passages or text at the beginning of a larger text. A way to introduce overarching themes or messages in the work. (Creative Device)

Question 7

Euphemism

Answer 7

More mild or indirect word or expression is used in place of another word or phrase that is considered harsh, blunt, vulgar, or unpleasant. (All 3 devices)

Question 8

Flashback

Answer 8

Interruption in a narrative that depicts events that have already occurred. Retelling in that tense. (Literary device)

Question 9

Foreshadowing

Answer 9

Indirectly hints at - through dialogue, description, or characters’ actions-often used to introduce tension to a narrative. Tells you what’s to come in the story. Can be subtle but also in your face.
(All 3 devices)

Question 10

Full Circle Ending

Answer 10

Special ending that effectively “wraps up” a piece is repeating a phrase from the beginning of the persuasive piece. (All 3 devices)

Question 11

Hyperbole

Answer 11

Exaggeration statement that’s not meant to be taken literally by the reader. For comedic effect or emphasis. (All 3 devices)

Question 12

Imagary

Answer 12

Describes a scene, thing, or idea so that it appeals to our senses. Clearly visualize parts of the story by creating a strong mental picture.

Question 13

Irony

Answer 13

Statement is used to express an opposite meaning than the one literally expressed by it.

Question 14

Verbal Irony

Answer 14

Someone says something but means the opposite (similar to sarcasm). (All 3 devices)

Question 15

Situational Irony

Answer 15

Something happens that’s opposite of what was expected or intended. (Literary device)

Question 16

Dramatic Irony

Answer 16

Audience is aware of the true intentions or outcomes, while the characters are not. As a result, certain actions or events take on different meanings. (Literary device)

Question 17

Juxtaposition

Answer 17

Comparing or contrasting of two or more different (usually opposite). Create a clearer picture of characteristics by comparing it drastically. Emphasizes differences. (All 3 devices)

Question 18

Magic Three

Answer 18

Three parallel groups of words usually separated by commas to create poetic rhythm or add support for a point. (All 3 devices)

Question 19

Malapropism

Answer 19

Happens when an incorrect word is used in place of a word that has a similar sound. Makes it both nonsensical and humorous often used in comedic writing. (Literary/Rhetorical Device)

Question 20

Metaphor

Answer 20

Described in non-literal terms. Compare one thing to another. Two things being described usually share something in common but can also not be alike.

Question 21

Simile

Answer 21

Type of metaphor in which an object, idea, character, action, etc., is compared to another thing using the words “as” or “like”. (All 3 devices)

Question 22

Metonym

Answer 22

Related word or phrase is substituted for the actual thing to which it’s referring. (All 3 devices)

Question 23

Onomatopoeia

Answer 23

Represents a sound and actually resembles the sound.(Literary/Rhetorical Device)

Question 24

Oxymoron

Answer 24

Combination of two words that together express contradictory meaning. To create tension like deafening silence. (All 3 devices)

Question 25

Paradox

Answer 25

Statement that appears illogical or self-contradictory but might actually be true or plausible. A paradox is a sentence while an oxymoron is only two words. (Literary/Creative Device)

Question 26

Personification

Answer 26

Nonhuman figure is given non human-like qualities or characteristics. Creates a clearer mental image. (All 3 devices)

Question 27

Repetition

Answer 27

Word or phrase is written multiple times, usually for emphasis. (All 3 devices)

Question 28

Symbolism

Answer 28

Refers to use of an object, figure, event, situation, or other idea to represent something else. A broader message or deeper meaning that differs from its literal meaning. Called symbols. (Literary Device)

Question 29

Synecdoche

Answer 29

Part of something is used to represent the whole, or vice versa. It’s similar to a metonym. “Help me out, I need some hands!”

Question 30

Bias Language

Answer 30

Choice of words is representing the opinion of the creator. (All 3 devices)

Question 31

Understatement

Answer 31

Making it less important and playing it down. (All 3 devices)

Question 32

Rhetorical Question

Answer 32

Question that isn’t meant to be answered. (All 3 devices)

Question 33

Rhythm/Rhyme

Answer 33

Pace, emphasis and sound that creates pattern. (All 3 devices)

Question 34

Diction

Answer 34

Choice of words that demonstrates a person or character’s background. (All 3 devices)

Question 35

Alliteration/Assonance

Answer 35

Same sound at the beginning of the words (exterior part of word). As same vowel sound over and over again (interior part of word) (All 3 devices)

Question 36

Counter Argument

Answer 36

Acknowledge the other side but punch with yours. (All 3 devices)

Question 37

Hyphenated Modifiers

Answer 37

Taking a bunch of words and putting hyphens between.