Literary Devices

Analogy An analogy is a literary device that helps to establish a relationship based on similarities between two concepts or ideas. By using an analogy we can convey a new idea by using the blueprint of an old one as a basis for understanding. With a mental linkage between the Read more…

Literary Devices

alliteration used for poetic effect, a repetition of the initial sounds of several words in a group example: O Wild West Wind allusion A brief reference to a person, place, thing, event, or idea in history or literature; a kind of shorthand whereby the recalling of something outside the work Read more…

English Final: Literary Devices

allegory a story in which every aspect is representative, of something else (usually a larger abstract concept or of an important historical event) alliteration the repetition of sounds at the beginning of consecutive words archetype a universal symbol or pattern dramatic irony when the audience perceives something that the character Read more…

Literary Devices A.P. Lit

Alliteration Repetition of consonants at the beginning of words that are near each other or repetition of ronsonants at the reginning of rords that are rear each rother. Allusion A reference to another work of literature or some cultural knowledge that contributes to meaning. Anadiplosis The repetition of the last Read more…

Literary Devices

Tone – The stated or implied attitude toward a subject – Specific words or phrases help us determine the tone of a piece – the tone can be positive, negative, humorous, ironic, etc. – In literature, tone is the attitude or approach that the author takes toward the work’s central Read more…

Literary Devices

ALLEGORY Is an extended metaphor; Underlying meaning has moral, social, religious, or political significance; Characters are often personification of abstract ideas as charity, greed, or envy ALLITERATION The recurrence of initial consonant sounds; The repetition is usually limited to two words. EX: 1. Ah, what a delicious day! D sound Read more…

Literary Devices

Metaphor a comparison without using like or as;EXAMPLE The computer is a brain. Simile a comparison using like or as;EXAMPLE The computer is like a brain. Personification A figure of speech in which an object or animal is given human feelings, thoughts, or attitudes;EXAMPLE The tree could feel the war Read more…

Rhetoric Literary Devices

Colloquialism A word or phrase used in everyday relaxed speech, not in formal writing Elegy A poem of serious reflection, typically a lament for the dead Epistolary Of or associated with letters or the writing of letters Epitaph A brief literary piece commemorating a deceased person Expletive An unnecessary word Read more…

Common Literary Devices

Alliteration repetition of a single letter or combination of letters. Allusion a brief reference to a presumably familiar person or thing Antagonist one who opposes the actions and efforts of the main character. Atmosphere the mood or feeling evoked by the story. Characterization how the character’s personality is revealed. Climax Read more…

Literary Devices

Symbol Where something represents or stands for something else. Alliteration The repetition of a consonant sound at the beginning of consecutive words in a sentence. Allusion A brief reference to a person, event, place, real or fictitious, or to a work of art. May be drawn from history, geography, literature, Read more…

50 Literary Devices (Definitions)

alliteration the repetition of the first sound in words Alice’s aunt ate apples and acorns around August. Better butter makes a batter better. allusion a reference to something literary, mythological, or historical that the author assumes the reader will recognize “When she lost her job, she acted like a Scrooge, Read more…

Literary Devices

Metaphor figure of speech that makes a comparison between two seemingly unlike things Simile a figure of speech that uses like or as to compare seemingly unlike things Personification a figure of speech in which an animal, object, a force of nature, or an idea is given human characteristics. imagery Read more…

British Literature Literary Devices

Alliteration Repetition of initial consonant sounds Anastrophe Inversion of the natural or usual word order Apostrophe 1. punctuation mark; 2. appeal to someone not present (a figure of speech) Archetype A recurring and familiar pattern in literature & drama Blank Verse Poetry written in unrhymed iambic pentameter Conflict A struggle Read more…

MOST COMMON LITERARY TERMS

ALLITERATION the repetition of initial sounds in successive or neighboring words ALLUSION a reference to something literary, mythological, or historical that the author assumes the reader will recognize ANAPHORA the repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of consecutive lines or sentences ANTITHESIS a statement in which two opposing Read more…