Literary Devices

Question 1

Characterization

Answer 1

Direct- characterizing a character through description
Indirect- The author shows characterization through speech, actions or how they act around others
Ex of Direct char. - “The blue eyes narrow”(spring 137)
Ex of indirect char. - “I reach into the cockpit and take out a rope ‘hold on’…….” (spring 137)

Question 2

Figurative Language

Answer 2

Figurative language is any language that is not intended to be interpreted in a strict, literal sense. There are several types of figurative language:
- simile
-metaphor
-personification

Question 3

Simile

Answer 3

a figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind. Uses comparative language such as “like” or “as”
EX. “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.” - Forrest Gump

Question 4

Metaphor

Answer 4

Metaphor- The author makes a comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as.”
EX. “Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.”—”Mother to Son”, Langston Hughes

Question 5

Personification

Answer 5

The author gives non-human objects human qualities.
EX.Time marches on.
The sun beat down upon our shoulders.
The waves roared down the shore.
The sea swallowed the tiny boat.

Question 6

Symbolism

Answer 6

is a literary device that contains several layers of meaning. It can be an object, person, situation, or action that means something more than its literal meaning.
-connects with the signpost again and again

Question 7

Theme

Answer 7

is the central organizing phrase and it grows from the conflict. The moral or lesson the author conveys. Never one word.
To determine a theme, ask yourself the following questions
1.What is the author trying to tell the reader?
2. In this world, are people more sympathetic toward each other? Or more unsympathetic? Why?
Signposts- Words of the Wiser or Ah-Ha Moment

theme ex.
Everyone is unique in their own way- theme from Counting by 7s
Friendships are worth fighting for- theme from Flipped
One person’s junk is another person’s treasure- theme from The Seventh Most Important Thing

Question 8

flashback

Answer 8

A flashback is a scene that takes the reader back in time from the current point in the story.

Often times, this is used to provide important details about a character’s past or recent life events
SIGNPOST- Memory Moment

Question 9

Foreshadowing

Answer 9

is when the author includes a hint or clue that suggests what action is to come.
Signposts- Again and Again

Question 10

Irony

Answer 10

irony is a literary device in which an expected outcome does not happen, or its opposite happens instead
Signpost- Contrast and Contradiction

situational irony in literature-In Harry Potter, Harry’s archenemy, Professor Snape, turns out to be his protector.
ex. “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
“Water, water, every where, Nor any drop to drink.” Though seawater is all around, the mariner is dying of thirst because it is salty and cannot be drunk.

Question 11

Juxtaposition

Answer 11

a literary device when the writer places two things close to one another to make a comparison or contrast between the two.

SIGNPOST-contrast and contradiction

Ex. In moco limping his ideal dog and moco are being compared.

Question 12

Mood

Answer 12

a literary device that a writer uses to create an emotional quality for the reader through the use of words. The emotional response allows a reader to experience emotion and connection within a story.
Examples of Mood
-suspenseful
-nervous
-peaceful
-lonely
-anxious
-scary
-gloomy
-inviting