literary devices Flashcards
what is an alliteration
repeated initial consonant sounds
what is an allusion
reference to another story
what is analogy
a comparison to understand
what is assonance
repeated vowel sounds in words
what is a consonance
repeated consonant sounds in words ( the early bird gets the worm)
what is dialogue
two or more characters talking to each other
what is a flashback
interruption by a scene from he past
what is foreshadowing
hints at what will happen later
what is a hyperbole
an extreme exaggeration
what is imagery
descriptions appealing to he five scenes
what is a metaphor
indirect comparison of two unlike things without using like or as
what is onomatopoeia
the pronunciation of a word mimics he sound it names ( bees buzzed )
what is personification
giving human characteristics to something no human
what is a simile
direct comparison using like or as
what is suspense
anxiety or uncertainty about what will happen next
what is symbolism
an object that represents a larger idea
what is dramatic irony
speeches or situations understood by only the audience ( a cat chasing a dog)
what is situational irony
the opposite of what we expect to happen next
what is verbal irony
says the opposite of what is meant
what is a coincidence
two or more similar or related events occur at the same time by chance
what is serendipity
a happy accident
what is aside
a short comment that no one else on stage can hear what is said that comments on the action of the play what also reveals judgement s or hidden secrets
what is monologue
a speech spoken by one character
what is soliloquy
a longer speech no one else can hear that reveals inner thoughts or motives
