Literary Devices Cards

Question 1

Allegory

Answer 1

A work that conveys a hidden meaning-usually moral, spiritual, or political - usually featuring symbolic characters.

Question 2

Characterization

Answer 2

How the character is explained in the story. Using S.T.E.A.L.. (Speech, thoughts, effects, actions looks.)

Question 3

Direct characterization

Answer 3

How the writer directly tells the reader about the character.

Question 3

Indirect characterization

Answer 3

What the reader infers about the character based on their actions.

Question 4

Conflict

Answer 4

A problem or issue within the book that the character faces. This can be internal or external.

Question 5

External Conflict

Answer 5

An issue the character has with the world or another character.

Question 6

Internal Conflict

Answer 6

An issue the character has with him/herself.

Question 7

Dialect

Answer 7

What kind of language and how the character speaks.

Question 8

Figurative language

Answer 8

Words that help the book achieve a deeper meaning.

Question 9

Metaphor

Answer 9

A comparison or contrast between two things without using like or as. Ex. “Her smile was the morning sun.”

Question 10

Simile

Answer 10

A comparison or contrast between two things while using like or as. Ex. “Her smile was as bright as the morning sun.”

Question 11

Personification

Answer 11

Describing an inanimate object so that it seems like it has animate actions. Ex. “The sun’s rays danced on the ocean, as it flowed gracefully on and off the beach in a never ending tango.

Question 12

Hyperbole

Answer 12

A writer exaggerating to add emphasis.

Question 13

Foreshadow

Answer 13

A warning or identification of a future event.

Question 14

Imagery

Answer 14

How the writer describes something using the five senses, audio, scent, touch, taste, sight.

Question 15

Irony

Answer 15

Something that happens that is very unexpected.

Question 16

Verbal Irony

Answer 16

Something is said other than something expected

Question 17

Situational Irony

Answer 17

An unexpected event

Question 18

Dramatic Irony

Answer 18

When the reader knows something about the book the characters don’t know.

Question 19

Motif

Answer 19

Something that is repeated excessively throughout the story.

Question 20

Mood

Answer 20

Mood evokes certain feelings or vibes in readers through words and descriptions.

Question 21

Point of View

Answer 21

Where the story is being told from. (First person, third person, second person)

Question 22

Repetition

Answer 22

The writers use the same words or phrases to show importance.

Question 23

Setting

Answer 23

Where the story takes place.

Question 24

Suspense

Answer 24

Waiting for something dramatic to happen.

Question 25

Symbolism

Answer 25

When a writer uses one thing (usually a physical object, character, or phenomenon) to represent something more abstract.

Question 26

Style

Answer 26

Style is the way in which an author writes and or tells a story. It’s what sets one story another apart from another.

Question 27

Theme

Answer 27

A universal idea, lesson, or message explored throughout the work. Never explicitly stated, but to be inferred by the reader.

Question 28

Thematic Concept

Answer 28

Judgment, Love, Revenge, forgiveness, guilt, jealousy, isolation, bullying.

Question 29

Thematic Statement

Answer 29

Human judgment is imperfect. Love cannot be bought. Getting revenge will not fix one’s problems.

Question 30

Tone

Answer 30

The author’s attitude towards the audience, the subject or the character.

Question 31

Unreliable Narrator

Answer 31

When the narrator intentionally decides or misleads the reader.