Literary Devices 1-30 Flashcards
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE - Whenever you describe something by comparing it with something else, you are using figurative language. It’s language that uses words in ways that deviate from their literal interpretation to achieve a more complex or powerful effect. This view of figurative language focuses on the use of figures of speech that play with the meaning of words.
Figurative Language: FIGURES OF SPEECH
Figurative Language: FIGURES OF SPEECH - Figurative language refers to language that contains figures of speech, while figures of speech are the particular techniques. If figurative language is like a dance routine, figures of speech are like the various moves that make up the routine.
DICTION (the way a word or words are used to make meaning)
DICTION - (The author’s choice of words) are figures of speech/figurative language with an unexpected twist in the meaning of words. When using this device, you intend for the word or words to have a meaning that is different than the literal meaning.
Analyzing Diction
*First, take note of the specific words that most resonate with you as the reader.
What sorts of words does the speaker use? Are the words informal or formal? Do
the words deal with a specific subject, issue, or area of study? Do some words
have multiple meanings? Are the words used offensive or euphemistic?
*Explain why the speaker uses the words he/she uses. Explain the effects of
these words on the reader and note any patterns or changes in the kinds of
words used throughout the speech or poem.
SYNTAX (the way sentences are structured to make meaning)
SYNTAX - are figures of speech that deal with word order, syntax, letters, and sounds, rather than the meaning of words? They become rhetorical devices, too, when they are used to persuade, inform, inspire, or entertain target audiences.
Analyzing Syntax
*First, map out each individual sentence, noting whether the sentences are long
or short, simple, complex, or compound. You may also want to consider looking
at verb tenses and whether the author speaks in the active or passive voice.
*Then, consider and explain what the effects are of the syntactical structure of
the excerpt. For instance, a short sentence amid several long, convoluted
sentences will often be emphasized. Therefore, the speaker is trying to
emphasize the content of that sentence to his audience.
IRONY
IRONY - What appears, on the surface, to be the case, differs radically from what is actually the case
Irony: SITUATIONAL IRONY
Irony: SITUATIONAL IRONY - Involves a situation in which actions have an effect that is opposite from what was intended, so that the outcome is contrary to what was expected.
Irony: VERBAL IRONY
Irony: VERBAL IRONY - Is when words express something contrary to truth or someone says the opposite of what they really feel or mean. It is often sarcastic
Irony: DRAMATIC IRONY
Irony: DRAMATIC IRONY - Is when the audience knows something—usually a lot of things—that the characters don’t.
Alliteration (Diction) (Figurative Language)
The Wicked Witch of the West went her own way. (The ‘W’ sound is highlighted and repeated throughout the sentence.)
Alliteration - Words used in quick succession that begin with the same sound group. Whether it is the consonant sound (consonance) or a specific vowel group (assonance), the alliteration involves creating a repetition of similar sounds in the sentence.
Anaphora (diction or syntax) (Figurative Language)
“Every day, every night, in every way, I am getting better and better”
“My life is my purpose. My life is my goal. My life is my inspiration.”
Anaphora (diction or syntax) (Figurative Language) - The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses. Repetitions at the end of successive clauses is called Epiphora.
Connotation (Diction or Syntax)
For example, “This clothing is affordable!” versus “This clothing is cheap!” Here, “affordable” sounds much better than “cheap,” because the word cheap also implies low quality.
Connotation (Diction or Syntax) - A feeling or idea that a word has, in addition to its literal meaning (called denotation). Often, a series of words can have the same basic definitions, but completely different connotations—these are the emotions or meanings implied by a word, phrase, or thing.
Hyperbole (Diction or Syntax) (Figurative Language)
“I am so tired I cannot walk another inch” or “I’m so sleepy I might fall asleep standing here”.
Hyperbole (Diction or Syntax) (Figurative Language) - A completely over-the-top exaggeration or overstatement. Can be humorous or serious.
Analyzing Hyperboles
*Establish that it is indeed a hyperbole by clarifying what is being exaggerated.
Show that the exaggeration is not meant to be taken literally.
*Explain the significance of the hyperbole – what idea does it reinforce or
illuminate?
Euphemism (Diction or Syntax) (Figurative Language)
“He passed away” instead of saying “He died.”
Euphemism (Diction or Syntax) (Figurative Language) - A nice way of saying something not so nice. We see euphemisms all the time, especially when talking about things that are, um, kind of hard to talk about, like sex, death, and race.
Imagery (Diction or Syntax)
The gushing brook stole its way down the lush green mountains, dotted with tiny flowers in a riot of colors and trees coming alive with gaily chirping birds.
Imagery (Diction or Syntax) - Imagery is all of the pictures and sensations a piece of writing conjures up in your noggin. Imagery is the key to literature—especially poetry. If you’re reading a description that engages any one of your five senses, you’re reading imagery, folks. Writers can use figurative language as one tool to help create imagery, but imagery does not have to use figurative language
Analyzing Imagery
*It can be helpful to identify what type of image you are observing: visual,
auditory, olfactory, gustatory, tactile, kinetic, etc.
*Don’t just say the image creates a strong picture in the reader’s mind (in fact,
don’t discuss the reader’s mind at all)
*Instead, analyze why the author uses that image, what effect it creates, why
creating an image (showing vs. telling) is effective.
Imagery: Allusion (Diction) (a type of imagery) (Figurative Language)
It’s no wonder everyone refers to Jane as another Mother Teresa in the making; she loves to help and care after people everywhere. In the example the author uses the mention of Mother Teresa to indicate the sort of qualities that Jane has.
Imagery: Allusion (Diction) (a type of imagery) (Figurative Language) - You’ll find allusions (think of them as shout-outs) when the book you’re reading makes a reference to something outside of itself, whether another work of literature, something from pop culture, a song, myth, history, or even the visual arts.
