Literary Elements Flashcards
Allusion
Referring back to an event in history, culture, or any other well known subject.
Symbolism
The use of symbols to represent ideas and qualities
Imagery
A description that appeals to the senses
Simile
A figure of speech involving the comparison of one object to a different object
Metaphor
A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an action or object to which it is not literally applicable.
Idiom
A group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words. Ex: raining cats and dogs
euphemism
A mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing
Ex: He passed away.
hyperbole
Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.
Ex: I am so hungry I could eat a horse.
Tone
The general attitude or mood that the writer uses in a piece.
personification
The attribution of human characteristics to something non-human or an inanimate object.
satire
The use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people’s stupidity or vices.
Paradox
A paradox is a statement that apparently contradicts itself and yet might be true.
Irony
The use of words that mean the opposite of what you really think especially in order to be funny.
