Literary Elements (V2) Flashcards
*sigh*
Whenever you describe something by comparing it with something else, you are using figurative language. It’s language that uses words in ways that deviate from their literal interpretation to achieve a more complex or powerful effect. This view of figurative language focuses on the use of figures of speech that play with the meaning of words.
Figurative Language
Figurative language refers to language that contains figures of speech, while figures of speech are the particular techniques. If figurative language is like a dance routine, figures of speech are like the various moves that make up the routine.
Figurative Language: Figures of Speech
(The author’s choice of words) are figures of speech/figurative language with an unexpected twist in the meaning of words. When using this device, you intend for the word or words to have a meaning that is different than the literal meaning.
Diction: Analyzing Diction
*First, take note of the specific words that most resonate with you as the reader.
What sorts of words does the speaker use? Are the words informal or formal? Do
the words deal with a specific subject, issue, or area of study? Do some words
have multiple meanings? Are the words used offensive or euphemistic?
*Explain why the speaker uses the words he/she uses. Explain the effects of
these words on the reader and note any patterns or changes in the kinds of
words used throughout the speech or poem.
are figures of speech that deal with word order, syntax, letters, and sounds, rather than the meaning of words? They become rhetorical devices, too, when they are used to persuade, inform, inspire, or entertain target audiences.
Syntax: Analyzing Syntax
*First, map out each individual sentence, noting whether the sentences are long
or short, simple, complex, or compound. You may also want to consider looking
at verb tenses and whether the author speaks in the active or passive voice.
*Then, consider and explain what the effects are of the syntactical structure of
the excerpt. For instance, a short sentence amid several long, convoluted
sentences will often be emphasized. Therefore, the speaker is trying to
emphasize the content of that sentence to his audience.
What appears, on the surface, to be the case, differs radically from what is actually the case
Irony
Involves a situation in which actions have an effect that is opposite from what was intended, so that the outcome is contrary to what was expected.
Irony: Situational Irony
Is when words express something contrary to truth or someone says the opposite of what they really feel or mean. It is often sarcastic
Irony: Verbal Irony
Is when the audience knows something—usually a lot of things—that the characters don’t.
Irony: Dramatic Irony
Words used in quick succession that begin with the same sound group. Whether it is the consonant sound (consonance) or a specific vowel group (assonance), the alliteration involves creating a repetition of similar sounds in the sentence.
The Wicked Witch of the West went her own way. (The ‘W’ sound is highlighted and repeated throughout the sentence.)
Alliteration (Diction) (Figurative Language)
The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses. Repetitions at the end of successive clauses is called Epiphora.
“Every day, every night, in every way, I am getting better and better”
“My life is my purpose. My life is my goal. My life is my inspiration.”
Anaphora (diction or syntax) (Figurative Language)
A feeling or idea that a word has, in addition to its literal meaning (called denotation). Often, a series of words can have the same basic definitions, but completely different connotations—these are the emotions or meanings implied by a word, phrase, or thing.
For example, “This clothing is affordable!” versus “This clothing is cheap!” Here, “affordable” sounds much better than “cheap,” because the word cheap also implies low quality.
Connotation (Diction or Syntax) (Card #11)
A completely over-the-top exaggeration or overstatement. Can be humorous or serious.
“I am so tired I cannot walk another inch” or “I’m so sleepy I might fall asleep standing here”.
Hyperboles: Analyzing Hyperboles
*Establish that it is indeed a hyperbole by clarifying what is being exaggerated.
Show that the exaggeration is not meant to be taken literally.
*Explain the significance of the hyperbole – what idea does it reinforce or
illuminate?
A nice way of saying something not so nice. We see euphemisms all the time, especially when talking about things that are, um, kind of hard to talk about, like sex, death, and race.
“He passed away” instead of saying “He died.”
Euphemism (Diction or Syntax) (Figurative Language)
Imagery is all of the pictures and sensations a piece of writing conjures up in your noggin. Imagery is the key to literature—especially poetry. If you’re reading a description that engages any one of your five senses, you’re reading imagery, folks. Writers can use figurative language as one tool to help create imagery, but imagery does not have to use figurative language
The gushing brook stole its way down the lush green mountains, dotted with tiny flowers in a riot of colors and trees coming alive with gaily chirping birds.
Imagery (Diction or Syntax)
You’ll find allusions (think of them as shout-outs) when the book you’re reading makes a reference to something outside of itself, whether another work of literature, something from pop culture, a song, myth, history, or even the visual arts.
It’s no wonder everyone refers to Jane as another Mother Teresa in the making; she loves to help and care after people everywhere. In the example the author uses the mention of Mother Teresa to indicate the sort of qualities that Jane has.
10a. Imagery: Allusion (Diction) (a type of imagery) (Figurative Language)
