Literary Devices Flashcards
Define a Metaphor.
A comparison of two unlike things without using ‘like’ or ‘as’
What is the effect of using a metaphor?
The metaphor creates an image in the reader’s mind that helps them understand the complexity of life.
What is an example of a metaphor?
“Life is a journey.”
Define a simile.
A comparison of two unlike things using “like” or “as”.
What is the effect of using a simile?
Creates a vivid image in the reader’s mind.
Give an example of simile.
“Her hair was like a golden waterfall”
Define alliteration.
The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words.
What is the effect of using alliteration?
Creates a musical quality to the writing that can make it more memorable.
Give an example of alliteration.
“Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. “
Define personification.
Giving human-like qualities to non-human objects
What is the effect of using personification?
Helps the reader understand the environment or object more fully.
Give an example of personification.
“The Wind whispered through the trees”
Define Hyperbole.
An exaggeration to emphasize a point.
What is the effect of using hyperbole?
Emphasizes the importance of a point being made.
Give an example of hyperbole.
“I’ve told you a million times to clean your room!”
Define onomatopoeia.
Words that imitate sounds.
What is the effect of using onomatopoeia?
Helps the reader experience the sounds of the environment.
Give an example of onomatopoeia.
“The bees buzzed around the flowers”
Define irony.
A contrast between what is expected and what actually happens.
What is the effect of using irony?
Creates a sense of surprise and can make the reader think more deeply about the situation.
Give an example of irony.
A firefighter’s house is burning down.
Define foreshadowing.
Hints or clues about what will happen later in the story.
What is the effect of using foreshadowing?
Creates tension and anticipation for what is to come.
Give an example of foreshadowing.
“Little did she know, her life was about to change forever.”
Define symbolism.
Using an object or image to represent an idea or concept.
What is the effect of using symbolism?
Creates a deeper meaning and helps the reader understand complex meanings.
Give an example of symbolism.
The dove represents peace.
Define imagery.
Using language to create a sensory experience for the reader.
What is the effect of using imagery?
Helps the reader vividly experience the environment.
Give an example of imagery.
“The sun kissed her face and the sand tickled her toes.”
Define allusion.
A reference to a well-known person, place, or event in history, literature, or culture.
What is the effect of using allusion?
Helps the reader understand the character or situation more deeply.
Give an example of allusion.
“He was a real Romeo with the ladies.”
Define repetition.
The repeating of a word, phrase, or sentence for emphasis.
What is the effect of using repetition?
Emphasizes the importance of the idea being repeated.
Give an example of repetition.
“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal. “
Define juxtaposition.
Placing two contrasting ideas or objects side by side for emphasis or comparison.
What is the effect of using juxtaposition?
Creates a sense of contrast and can highlight the differences between the two ideas or objects.
Give an example of juxtaposition.
“It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.
Define tone.
The author’s attitude toward the subject or audience.
What is the effect of using tone?
Creates a certain mood and helps the reader understand the author’s perspective.
Give an example of tone.
“I can’t believe you did that. “
Define foil
a character who contrasts with another character to highlight the differences.
What is the effect of using foil?
Helps the reader understand the characters more fully by contrasting them with another character.
Give an example of foil.
In the “Great Gatsby,” Tom Buchanan is a foil to Jay Gatsby.
Define visual imagery.
This type of imagery appeals to the sense of sight and what is seen.
What is the effect of using visual imagery?
Helps the reader or audience to imagine a scene and can create a sense of realism in a poem or play.
Give an example of visual imagery.
“The sky was a deep shade of blue, with fluffy White clouds that looked like cotton candy.”
Define auditory imagery.
This type of imagery appeals to the sense of hearing and describes what can be heard.
What is the effect of using auditory imagery?
Can create a mood and convey emotions in a play or poem.
Give an example of auditory imagery.
“The leaves rustled in the gentle breeze, the birds chirped in the trees, and the distant sounds of the waterfall could be heard in the background.”
Define olfactory imagery.
This type of imagery appeals to the sense of smell and describes scents.
What is the effect of using olfactory imagery?
Can evoke memories and creates a sense of nostalgia and comfort.
Give an example of olfactory imagery.
“The aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, making my mouth water”
Define gustatory imagery.
This type of imagery appeals to the sense of taste and describes flavors.
What is the effect of using gustatory imagery?
Create a sense of satisfaction or desire.
Give an example of gustatory imagery.
“The sweet, tangy taste of the ripe strawberries exploded in my mouth, leaving me wanting more. “
Define tactile imagery.
This type of imagery appeals to the sense of touch and describes textures.
What is the effect of using tactile imagery?
Creates a sense of intimacy and closeness.
Give an example of tactile imagery.
“The soft, velvety petals of the rose brushed against my fingertips as I reached out to touch it.”
Define caeasura.
Caesura is a literary device used in poetry and drama, which involves a pause or break in the middle of the line. This break can be marked by punctuation, commas, semicolon, or dash, or it can be a natural pause in the rhythm of the verse.
What is the effect of using caesura?
Creating a moment of a d allows the reader or listener to pause and reflect on the meaning of the word It can also help to create a sense of rhythm and musicality in the verse.
Give an example of caesura.
“To be, or not to be, that is the question” (Hamlet by William Shakespeare)
Define epiphora.
A literary device that involves the repetition of a word or phrase at the end of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses or sentences.
What is the effect of using epiphora?
Creates a sense of momentum and reinforces the central message or theme of the text. Creates a sense of symmetry and balance in the verse.
Give an example of epiphora.
“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed; ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”
Define Anaphora.
A literary device that involves the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of a successive clause or sentence
What is the effect of using anaphora?
Creates a sense of urgency and reinforces the central message or theme of the text. Also creates a sense of rhythm and musicality in the verse.
Give an example of anaphora.
“We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.”
