Literary Devices Flashcards
Similie
When a thing, idea, or action is compared to another using the words like or as
Metaphor
When a thing, idea, or action is compared to another in order to suggest a common quality between the two
Personification
When an animal, abstract idea, or inanimate object is referred to as if it were human
Imagery
Language that appeals to senses other than sight and creates a picture
Syntax
The way in which an author arranges words and punctuation to form sentences
Repitition
Repeated use of a word or phrase for thematic emphasis
Juxtaposition
The placement of ideas, often side by side and opposing in a text
Hyberbole
Intentional exaggeration to create an effect
Synecdoche
A figure of speech in which a more inclusive term is used for a less inclusive term or vice versa ( ie “the law” = policeman)
Metonymy
The name of a thing is applied to another thing or person with which it is closely associated (ie kneel to the crown)
Litote
A figure of speech in which the affirmative is expressed by the negation of its opposite (ie shes not unattractive)
Anaphora
Repetition of the same beginning word or phrase (ie he is strong. He is..)
Aphorism
A statement that conveys some truth or rule of life ( ie a penny saved is a penny earned)
Onomatopoeia
A sound device in which a word imitates what it denotes ie buzz
Ellipsis
Omission of a word not necessary for a sentence
