Literary devices Flashcards
What is an allusion?
Allusion is a literary device used to further connect with the reader by referencing to things familiar in everyday life: people, places, or events.
”Careful now, you dont want to go opening Pandora’s box”
”He was a good guy ball-buster, the Deadpool of his time”
What is diction?
A literary device thats the choice of words or style used in order to convey their message.
Formal: formal, high class style and choice of words
Informal: a conversational and informal approach to speech
Slang: includes newly coined words, and phrases: ”fleek”.
What is alliteration?
Alliteration is the use of similar continents of words after each other in a rhythmic way. Alliterative sounds create rhythm and mood and can have particular connotations; repetition of the “s” sound often suggests a snake-like quality, implying slyness and danger. Common in titles and in poetry.
”Sally sells seashells by the seashore”
What is an allegory?
A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one; a symbolic fictional narrative that conveys a meaning not explicitly set forth in the narrative: the reader can understand only through an interpretive process.
Example: Animal farm= Russian Revolution
What is euphemism?
Euphemism refers to any term that referring to something impolite, rude, or inappropriate without stating it in the literal form.
”Before I go” = before I die
”Rear end”= butt
”Tipsy”= drunk
What is a flashback?
In literature, it simply refers to traveling back in time to a specific scene to give more context for the story.
What is foreshadowing?
Refers to hints given within the story to give clues to what is to come or what the future may hold.
They are not obvious clues.
What is imagery?
The use of visually descriptive words or figurative language. Think of it as showing rather than telling in writing; usage of sensory language.
What is personification?
The transfer of live characteristics to a non living thing or object. Personification connects readers with the object that is personified; it can help readers understand, sympathize with, or react emotionally to non-human characters.
”The wind whisteled….”
”The moon yanked…”
”Squatting in the corner was a fel chair…”
What is juxtaposition?
Juxtaposition is the juggling of emotions through the usage of contrasting terms in order to amplify their effect.
”I hate loving you”
”It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…”
What are metaphors/similes?
Comparisons used to improve the understanding of the reader through non-alike descriptions. Metaphors dont use like or as.
Metaphor: ”She was drowning in a sea of her own despair”
Simile: ”It was like she was drowning in the sea of her own despair”
What is onomatopoeia?
Onomatopoeia is the pronounciation of a word mimicing the sound it names. It can add excitement, action, and interest by allowing the reader to hear and remember your writing.
Zap
Splash
Bang
Creak
What is symbolism?
The use of an element, situation or something in order to symbolize something meaningful: a message idea or a concept. Like political cartoons, comics have to convey a message succinctly. Symbols are useful in communicating abstract ideas effectively.
Usage of crows= symbolism of death
Usage of spiders= symbolism of spying, sneakiness or untrustworthiness
What is tone?
The narrators thoughts, feelings, or opinions of whats going on; what kind of a perception do they leave.
Diction usually has the power to dictate the tone of a story.
What is colloquilism?
Expressions, words, and phrases used in informal, everyday speech, including slang. Is used in informal writing situations and creates a conversational tone.
Bamboozled= dumbstruck
Be blue= be sad
Over yonder= over there
