Literary Devices Flashcards
What is an allusion
A figure of speech that makes a reference to a place, person or thing
What is euphemism
term substituted for one which may be harsh or offensive, to make it less harsh
Ex. Using “passed away” instead of “died”
What is hyperbole
An over exaggeration for effect
Ex. She cried a river when her friend moved away
What is foreshadowing
Author drops subtle hints about future events in the story before they even happen
What is Dialogue
Conversation among characters
What is imagery
The use of descriptive, picture-making words to create mental pictures
Really descriptive
What is symbol
When one object has a deeper meaning
What is a simile
A comparison between things that uses “like” or “as”
Ex. She was sweet like sugar
What is a metaphor
A comparison between two things that DOES NOT use “like” or “as”
Ex. He is a pig
What is personification
The author gives human like characteristics to a non-living thing
Ex. The happy sun smiled on us
What is an alliteration
A tongue twister
What is a pun
A play on words
Ex. When a clock is hungry it goes back four seconds
What is onomatopoeia
The use of words that are spelled like the sound they make (sound words)
Ex. “Pow” “Smash” “Whoosh”
What is humour
The writer adds some form of light-heartedness to make a situation amusing
What is suspense
The reader is kept wondering what will happen next
