literary devices Flashcards
what does “Allusion” mean
It is a reference to the external text, that adds to the understanding of the text in front of you.EX: Brooklyn 99
what does “Diction” mean
the author’s choice of words. Depending on the way the author uses the words to describe a character, object or event we see.EX: she ran to school to see her friends/she dragged herself to school.
what does “flashback” mean
a scene from the past that interrupts the narrative, to illustrate an important point or to provide background on the present.
what does “foreshadowing” mean
an indication of events to come. a plot offering clues to increase reader curiosity, build suspense and prepare reader for events about to come.
what does “imagery” mean
figurative language to help readers understand by giving mental pictures of what i would feel like
EX: these words are razors to my wounded heart.
what does “irony” mean and the 3 types of it
situational: events turn out to be the opposite of what is expected.EX: teacher who says to students” who cares, leave”
dramatic: we know something the character does not.EX: in a movie.
verbal: words that mean the opposite of what you actually mean(sarcastic)
What does “metaphor” mean
a figure of speech that is based on a comparison that is implied rather than directly or explicitly expressed
EX: he was a lion(brave, strong,courageous) or “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” meaning you can’t break an old habit like smoking.
what does “motif” mean
a repetition of a specific catch-phrase or type of character behaviour
EX: “where all in this together.”
what does “ parallelism” mean
using the same grammatical structure in closely related passages
EX: I came, I saw, I conquered
what does “pathos” mean
a combination of what makes us feel bad about the characters
EX: something that makes us feel bad about the character
what does “ personification” mean
a figure of speeach that allows animals, objects and more whit human form,personality or feelings.
EX: the movie cars giving faces and personalities to cars(object)
what does “repetition” mean
using the same word or phrase multiple times
EX: “she opened her eyes”…….”he opened his eyes”
what does “simile” mean
a figure of speach which a comparison is explicit.A metaphor that only compares one quality,not the whole thing.
EX”:he smoked like a chimney” you cant say he was a chimney.
what does “symbolism” mean
an object that represents something else
EX: a dove symbolizes peace.
