Literary Devices Flashcards
Simile
a comparison that uses “like” or “as”
Metaphors
a comparison that does not use like or as
Personification
giving human characteristics to nonhuman things
Alliteration
he occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of nearby words
Repetition
when the writer intentionally repeats the same word or phrase for effect
Hyperbole
exaggeration
Symbolism
Something that represents something else by association, resemblance, or convention, especially a material object used to represent something else.
Foreshadow
When the author provides hints of what may happen later in the story.
Verbal irony
the expression of one’s meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.
Imagery
The use of vivid or figurative language to represent objects, actions, or ideas.
Juxtaposition
Two things being seen or placed close together with a contrasting effect.
Flashback
in literature and drama, a scene that takes the narrative back in time
Theme
a main idea or an underlying meaning in a literary work
Tone
the mood implied by an author’s word choice
Context
the setting surrounding a word/quote/event
Realism
a literary genre that is part of the broader realism in arts that attempts to represent subject-matter truthfully, avoiding speculative fiction and supernatural elements. Realist authors chose to depict every day and banal activities and experiences.
Magical realism
a literary or artistic genre in which realistic narrative and naturalistic technique are combined with surreal elements of dream or fantasy.
Soliloquy
A dramatic speech uttered by one character speaking aloud while alone on stage (or under the impression of being alone)
Soliloquies in TTotS: Tranio’s plan, Petruchio’s plan to woo Kate, Grumio’s weariness.
Anaphora
The same word or phrase repeated at the beginning of successive lines,
clauses, or sentences
Assonance
The repetition of identical or similar vowel sounds in the syllables of
neighboring words
Consonance
The repetition of identical or similar consonants in neighboring words
Blank verse
Unrhymed lines in iambic pentameter. Used frequently by characters of higher social status or importance.
Rhymed verse
Rhyming lines in iambic pentameter. Used frequently by characters of higher social status or importance. Often rhymed lines offer some especially important meaning, especially if sonnet form is used.
Prose
Everyday language. Used by people of lower social status or when other characters have short lines of greeting or exclamation.
