Literary Devices

• Alliteration


  Repetition of initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words

  
• Allusion


  Reference to a person, place, event, or another passage of literature, without identification. Can originate in mythology, biblical references, historical events, legends, geography, or earlier literary works.

  
• Irony


  When words are used in such a way that their intended meaning is different from the actual meaning of the words. It may also be a situation that may end up in quite a different way than what is generally anticipated; the difference between the appearance and the reality.

  
• Metaphor


  A comparison of seemingly unlike objects or the substitution of one for the other suggesting some similarity. In the comparison, one thing is stated as if it BECOMES the other.

  
• Oxymoron


  Two contradictory words next to one another that reflect opposite ideas that join together to create an specific effect or meaning

  
• Paradox


  A statement that seems contradictory but is actually true; also used to illustrate an opinion or statement contrary to accepted traditional ideas

  
• Symbolism


  When an object representing another is given an entirely different meaning that is much deeper and more significant. Symbols suggest bigger ideas and qualities by giving them meanings that are different from the literal sense.
• Personification


  The giving of human qualities/characteristics to an animal, object, or idea

  
• Hyperbole


  exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.

  
• Simile


  A comparison using "like" or "as"

  
• analogy


  drawing a comparison in order to show a similarity
• cliche


  a worn-out idea or overused expression
• contradiction


  a statement that is the opposite of another statement
• flashback


  a transition in a story to an earlier event or scene
• Foreshadowing


  the use of hints and clues to suggest what will happen later in a plot
• pun


  A play on words
• repetition


  Repeated use of sounds, words, or ideas for effect and emphasis
• sarcasm


  witty language used to convey insults or scorn
• satire


  the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity
• Understatement


  A statement that says less than what is meant
• Conflict


  A struggle between opposing forces
• Theme


  Central idea of a work of literature