Literary Devices Flashcards
What is irony?
Irony is a figure of speech in which words are used in such as way that their intended meaning is different from the actually meaning of the words.
There are 2 types of irony:
- Verbal irony - ‘what a great idea!’ (in response to a foolish idea)
- Situational irony - a man laughs at others’ misfortunes when unbeknownst to him, the same misfortune is befalling him.
What is tone?
The attitude of a writer towards a subject or an audience. It can be formal, informal, serious, comic, sarcastic, sad, cheerful etc.
What is dialogue?
A dialogue is a literary technique which writers employs at least 2 characters to engage in a conversation with each other.
There are 2 types of dialogue:
- Inner dialogue - the characters speak to themselves and reveal their personalities.
- Outer dialogue - A simple conversation between 2 characters.
What is symbolism?
Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal definition. Symbols can shift their meaning depending on the context they are used in.
Eg. A ‘smile’ is a symbol of friendship. Chain can either mean union or imprisonment.
What are flashbacks?
An interruption of the chronological sequence of an event of earlier occurrence.
Parallel plots
The writer weaves 2 or more dramatic plots that are usually linked by a common character and a similar theme.
Alliteration
The repetition of using initial consonants sounds in two or more neighbouring words or syllables.
Eg. She sells seashells by the seashore.
Cliche
A word or phrase that has become very familiar.
Eg. No pain, no gain.
What is hyperbole?
Hyperbole is when the writer or speaker exaggerates for emphasis or effect.
Eg. “These shoes are killing me.”
What is an idiom
Idioms are commonly used figuratively expressions.
Eg. “That new care cost an arm and a leg.” (Hyperbole)
What are metaphors?
A comparison between two different things without using the word ‘like’ or ‘as’ to make the comparison.
Eg. She was just a trophy to Ricard, another object to possess.
What is personification?
A technique when the speaker or writer gives human characteristics/qualities/traits to an object or idea.
Eg. The angry storm pounded the tin shelter.
What are similes?
They are comparisons between two unlike things using the words ‘like’ or ‘as’.
Eg. She hung her head like a dying flower.
What are understatements?
Understatements are then the speaker or writer express an idea with significantly less force than excepted.
Eg. Let’s just say that Bill Gates has got a few nickles to rub together.
