literary devices Flashcards
idiom
words that cannot be interpreted literally and only understood by those who are familiar with the lanuguage (like slang used to represent something else)
(example: “break the ice” resolve tension, spill the beans “tell the secrets”)
hyperbole
figure of speech to exaggerate something to give off a specific effect
example: “I am so hungry I could eat a horse” Not literally going to eat a horse but they’re so hungry they feel like they could
imagery
Imagery refers to the use of vivid and descriptive language that appeals to our five senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell).
- this creates a mental picture in our minds
allusion
An allusion is a brief reference to something well-known—like a person, event, or idea—which helps to make a point
(example: “he was a real romeo with the ladies” implying he was a passionate lover
foreshadowing
Hinting at things that will happen later in a story to create anticipation
(example: “bad things always happen in autumn” concluding that something bad will happen in autumn)
onmatopoeia
imitate the sound of an object or action
examples
- boom
- clap
- ra-ta-ta
- meow
- buzz
pun
use of play on words to exploit multiple meanings but creates a humorous effect
examples: “purr-sonality” = personality (cat)
metaphor
a comparison between two unrelated things to show that they share similar qualities to prove something is something else
example: “time is a theif” stating time steals moments of our lives
