Literary Techniques

Question 1

Allegory

Answer 1

When a character, place or event can be interpreted to represent a meaning outside the narrative. It can have moral, social, religious and political significance.

Question 2

Allusion

Answer 2

A subtle, indirect reference to another thing (text, history, religion)

Question 3

Alliteration

Answer 3

Repetition of sounds at the start of the word in two or more words in close proximity.

Question 4

Ambiguity

Answer 4

A statement lacking a clear or singular meaning.

Question 5

Analogy

Answer 5

Comparing two things for the purpose of explanation or clarification

Question 6

Anecdote

Answer 6

Personal story or account

Question 7

Anomaly

Answer 7

When something deviates from what is normal or expected

Question 8

Anthropomorphism

Answer 8

Giving human qualities to a non-human figure

Question 9

Assonance

Answer 9

When a similar vowel sound occurs anywhere in the word. E.G “she sells sea shells by the sea shore”

Question 10

Cliché

Answer 10

Overused common expression

Question 11

Consonance

Answer 11

Repetition of constants throughout a sentence or phrase. E.G “My heart aches, and a drowsy numbness pains” repetition of “n” sound

Question 12

Didactic

Answer 12

A text that instructs the reader and delivers a moral message.

Question 13

Enjambment

Answer 13

Poetic technique when a sentence or phrase runs over more than one line or stanza.

Question 14

Foreshadowing

Answer 14

An allusion to something that will happen later in the narrative

Question 15

Euphemism

Answer 15

A mild expression used to replace a harsh one. “darn” instead of “damn”

Question 16

Hyperbole

Answer 16

Exaggeration

Question 17

Juxtaposition

Answer 17

Layering scenes/images to have a dramatic impact

Question 18

Linear narrative

Answer 18

Chronological order

Question 19

Non-linear narrative

Answer 19

Could be jumping between the times between scenes (not chronological)

Question 20

Metaphor

Answer 20

Comparing two things that are otherwise unrelated

Question 21

Modality

Answer 21

Certainty
High modality - certainty
medial modality - doubt that something will occur
low modality - uncertainty

Question 22

Motif

Answer 22

Recurring symbol

Question 23

Pathetic Fallacy

Answer 23

Attribution of human EMOTIONS to non-human objects

Question 24

Personification

Answer 24

Human characteristics given to non-human objects.

Question 25

Repetition

Answer 25

The repetition of words or syntax for emphasis or persuasion

Question 26

Satire

Answer 26

Ridicules in a scornful or humorous way

Question 27

Sibilance

Answer 27

Repetition of soft constant sounds (s) - used to create a sinister, sensuous tone or mood.

Question 28

Simile

Answer 28

Making a comparison using “like” or “as”

Question 29

Zoomorphism

Answer 29

Animal properties to non-animals