Literary and Linguistic Devices Flashcards
1
Q
Pathetic Falacy
A
- Pathetic fallacy is the attribution of human emotion to inanimate objects, nature, or animals.
- Writers use the pathetic fallacy to evoke a specific mood or feeling that usually reflects their own or a character’s internal state.
- “The raindrops wept around her.”
2
Q
Loaded Language/Emotive Language
A
- words, phrases, and overall verbal and written communication that elicit a strong emotional response from the reader or listener.
- Emotive language is used to persuade or influence the reader by creating an emotional reaction thereby making the message more impactful and memorable.
- Aggravate(loaded) vs. annoy(normal)
3
Q
Imagery
A
- Imagery involves the use of descriptive language that appeals to one or more of the five senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell) to create a vivid mental picture for the reader.
- Imagery is used to enhance the reader’s experience by immersing them in the scene, making the text more engaging and relatable. It helps to convey emotions, settings, and atmosphere effectively.
- “The old book had water spots across its spine. Some of the pages yellowed.”
4
Q
Puns
A
- A pun is a form of wordplay that exploits multiple meanings of a term, or of similar-sounding words, for an intended humorous or rhetorical effect.
- Puns are used to add humor or a clever twist to writing. They can create a light-hearted mood and make the reader more engaged and entertained.
- “Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.”
5
Q
Oxymoron
A
- An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which two contradictory terms or ideas are combined to create a paradoxical effect.
- Oxymorons are used to create a dramatic effect, to highlight the complexity or absurdity of a situation, or to provoke thought by juxtaposing conflicting ideas.
- “The sound of silence filled the room.”
6
Q
Juxtaposition
A
- Juxtaposition involves placing two elements (such as characters, themes, concepts) close together to contrast them sharply.
- It is used to emphasize unique qualities, create tension, or enhance a theme by contrasting two elements.
- “A wealthy king living in a modest cottage.”
7
Q
Anaphora
A
- Anaphora involves the repeating of a word or phrase at the start of successive sentences or clauses for emphasis.
- It reinforces an idea, creates rhythm, builds intensity, and enhances the emotional effect of the text.
- “Freedom for the thoughts we agree with, freedom for the thoughts we hate.”
8
Q
Metaphor
A
- A metaphor is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable, suggesting a likeness or analogy between them.
- Metaphors are used to convey complex ideas or emotions in a concise and vivid manner, to stimulate the imagination, and to enable the reader to see something in a new or different way.
- “The world is a stage, and we are merely players.”
9
Q
Simile
A
- A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using the words “like” or “as” to highlight similarities between them.
- Similes are used to make descriptions more vivid and relatable by drawing a direct comparison, making it easier for the reader to visualize or understand the writer’s idea.
- “Her smile was bright like the sun.”
10
Q
Symbols
A
- Symbolism is the use of symbols, objects, characters, or colors to represent deeper, more abstract ideas or concepts.
- Authors use symbolism to impart more layered meanings to their work, allowing for a deeper interpretation that goes beyond the literal level, often evoking emotions or connecting with universal themes.
- “The dove flew across the battlefield
11
Q
Semantic Field
A
- A semantic field is a set of words grouped together based on their meaning or thematic relation, conveying a particular atmosphere or setting.
- Authors use semantic fields to create a cohesive atmosphere or to reinforce a specific theme or emotion throughout a text, which helps to immerse the reader in the narrative.
- In a passage describing a haunted house, words like “ghostly,” “eerie,” “whispers,” and “shadows” contribute to a semantic field of horror.
12
Q
Personification
A
- Personification involves giving human characteristics to non-human entities, such as animals, objects, or concepts, to animate them in a literary context.
- By personifying non-human elements, writers can create vivid imagery and emotional connections, making abstract or inanimate entities relatable and expressive in ways that resonate with human experience.
- “The city never sleeps.”
13
Q
Alliteration
A
- Alliteration is the repetition of the same initial consonant sounds in a series of words.
- It is used to create rhythm, enhance mood, and make phrases more memorable, often adding a musical quality to a piece of literature.
- “She sells seashells by the seashore.”
14
Q
Allusion
A
- An allusion is a brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance.
- It allows the writer to convey complex ideas without having to explain them, assuming the reader will understand the reference. It adds depth to the text making the world feel more real.
- “He was a real Romeo with the ladies.”
15
Q
Assonance
A
- Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words. It is similar to alliteration, but focuses on the sounds within words rather than the initial sounds.
- Assonance is used to enhance the musical effect of a poem or piece of prose, to create internal rhyming, and to reinforce meanings.
- “The early bird catches the worm.”