Literary Devices + Examples

Question 1

Foreshadowing

Answer 1

Definition: A hint or clue about something that will happen later in the story.
Examples:
On the Sidewalk Bleeding – Andy’s purple jacket being described as a gang symbol foreshadows the attack on him.
Fall of a City – The way Teddy’s aunt and uncle mock his imaginary world foreshadows their eventual destruction of it.

Question 2

Pathetic Fallacy

Answer 2

Definition: When the environment, especially the weather, reflects a character’s emotions or the story’s mood.
Examples:
On the Sidewalk Bleeding – The rain falling as Andy dies mirrors the sadness and hopelessness of the moment.
Fall of a City – The attic being dark and lonely reflects Teddy’s growing isolation and loss of innocence.

Question 3

Symbol

Answer 3

Definition: An object, person, or event that represents a deeper meaning.
Examples:
On the Sidewalk Bleeding – Andy’s purple jacket symbolizes his gang identity and how others perceive him.
Fall of a City – Teddy’s paper kingdom symbolizes his imagination and inner world, which is later crushed.

Question 4

Situational Irony

Answer 4

Definition: When the outcome of a situation is the opposite of what is expected.
Examples:
Thank You, Ma’am – Instead of punishing Roger for trying to steal her purse, Mrs. Jones takes him home and shows kindness.
Fall of a City – Teddy’s imaginary kingdom gives him power, but in reality, he has no control over his own life.

Question 5

Verbal Irony (No examples needed)

Answer 5

Definition: When a character says something but means the opposite (often sarcastic).

Question 6

Dramatic Irony (No examples needed)

Answer 6

Definition: When the audience knows something that the characters do not.

Question 7

Hyperbole

Answer 7

Definition: An extreme exaggeration used for emphasis.
Examples:
Thank You, Ma’am – Mrs. Jones saying she “was young once and wanted things she couldn’t get” exaggerates to connect with Roger.
Kath and Mouse – Helen always acting like she’s the most important person in the world exaggerates her arrogance.

Question 8

Metaphor

Answer 8

Definition: Comparing items not using a comparative term
Examples:
On the Sidewalk Bleeding – Andy’s blood soaking the ground is compared to his life slipping away, symbolizing his fading existence.
Fall of a City – Teddy’s imaginary kingdom represents his dreams, rather than just paper structures.

Question 9

Imagery

Answer 9

Definition: Descriptive language that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell).
Examples:
On the Sidewalk Bleeding – “The rain turned the sidewalk dark, washing over Andy’s motionless body.” (Sight, touch)
Thank You, Ma’am – “The boy’s face was dirty, his lips trembling with hunger and fear.” (Sight, touch)

Question 10

Simile

Answer 10

Definition: A comparison between two things using “like” or “as.”
Examples:
On the Sidewalk Bleeding – “The pain spread through his body like fire.”
Fall of a City – “His dreams crumbled like sandcastles in the tide.”