*Literary techniques Flashcards
Allegory
An extended metaphor that invites interpretation on at least two levels
Alliteration
The repetition of the consonant sounds at the beginnings of words
Allusion
A reference to another text or person or place or event
Ambiguity
A word or phrase that invites at least two interpretations
Analogy
A comparison made between two similar situations
Anecdote
A small story that illustrates a point
Antonym
A word with an opposite meaning
Assonance
The repetition of a vowel sound to create a particular effect
Autobiography
An account of a person’s life written from their perspective
Biography
A written account of a person’s life
Cliche
A phrase or expression that has been worn out by overuse
Colloquial
In the manner of everyday speech
Connotation
The associations we make with a word
Denotation
The dictionary definition of a word
Diction
The choice of words
Euphemism
A phrase or word substituted for one which is considered tasteless or too blunt
Exposition
The opening sections of a play or narrative in which the characters and settings are introduced and the plot is established
Fable
A very short story that demonstrates a moral idea or a principle of human behaviour
Fiction
Any text that tells a story without claiming to be historical truth
Figurative language
Language that exceeds the literal meanings of words to achieve a special meaning or effect
