Literary devices Flashcards
repeated consonant sound at the beginning of words or
within words; used to establish mood and rhythm in a
story; true alliteration has three words beginning with
the same sound (two words beginning with the same
sound would be called alliterative)
Alliteration
it is the repetition of vowel sounds that form
internal rhymes in a line
Assonance
it is the use of jarring sounds,
meant to convey disorder.
Cacophony
it is the repetition of consonant
sounds, usually at the end of words
Consonance
It is the use of sound devices
meant to create a pleasant experience to
the ear.
Euphony
It compares two
things using the words
‘like’ and ‘as’
Simile
It is when
something is directly
compared to something else.
Metaphor
It is exaggeration that is not
meant to be taken seriously.
Hyperbole
is giving human qualities to
non-human things.
PERSONIFICATION
contrast between the expected outcome
and the actual way things turn out
Irony
It is when two contradicting
words are used together.
Oxymoron
words that imitate,
or sound like, the
actions they describe
Onomatopoeia
a statement that reveals a kind of truth
although at first it seems to be selfcontradictory and untrue
Paradox
the author purposely repeats words or
phrases; the author
is trying to create rhythm or suspense, or is trying to really
emphasize a certain idea.
Repetition
It is a milder, less direct term
that means the same
thing as one that is
considered harsh, blunt, or offensive
Euphemism
is a play on words that explores its different meanings.
Pun
