Literary Devices Flashcards
The old house groaned under the weight of the wind, its windows rattling like skeletal teeth. Outside, the trees clawed at the sky, their branches twisted into gnarled fingers.
Personification: The house “groaned,” windows “rattled like skeletal teeth,” and trees “clawed” at the sky. These are human actions attributed to inanimate objects.
He was a volcano of rage, ready to erupt at any moment. His words were sharp, burning embers that scorched everything in their path.
Metaphor: He is directly compared to a “volcano of rage” without using “like” or “as.” His words are described as “burning embers.”
The politician’s speech was full of sound and fury, signifying nothing
Allusion: This is a direct quote from Shakespeare’s Macbeth, referencing a speech about the meaninglessness of life.
The silence in the room was deafening.
Paradox: “Deafening silence” combines two contradictory terms. Silence is the absence of sound, while deafening implies a loud noise.
Just as a sword is the weapon of a warrior, a pen is the weapon of a writer.
Analogy: This passage draws a comparison between a sword and a pen, highlighting their similar function as tools or “weapons” in different contexts (physical combat vs. writing).
He was a real Romeo with the ladies.
Allusion: This is an allusion to Romeo from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, referencing his romantic nature and charm.
The company needs all hands on deck to meet this deadline.
Synecdoche: “Hands” is used to represent the entire workforce or crew. It’s a part (hands) standing in for the whole (people).
I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.
Hyperbole: This is an exaggeration used for emphasis.
The repetition of the phrase “I have a dream” in Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous speech emphasized the importance and power of his vision.
Anaphora: The phrase “I have a dream” is repeated for emphasis and to create a powerful effect on the audience.
The marriage counselor filed for divorce.
Irony (situational): A marriage counselor is someone who is supposed to help couples maintain healthy relationships, yet they themselves are unable to maintain their own relationship.
The dove flew out the window, and the sound of gunfire echoed through the streets.
Symbolism: The dove is a symbol of peace, so its presence before the sound of gunfire creates a strong sense of unease and foreshadows coming violence.
As the climber began his ascent, he noticed a single, ominous crack running through the rock face.
Foreshadowing: The crack in the rock face foreshadows danger and the potential for a disastrous fall.
Alliteration
Repetition of initial consonant sounds in close words.
Ambiguity
The use of language that has multiple meanings or interpretations.
Anaphora
Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences.
