Literary devices in quotes

Cards (10)

  • "Some infinities are bigger than other infinities"
    Paradox: The statement itself is a paradox because, by definition, infinities are limitless. The idea that one infinity can be larger than another challenges the typical understanding of the concept of infinity.
    Juxtaposition: Placing the concept of "some infinities" against "other infinities" creates a contrast that draws attention to the variability and uniqueness of different experiences.
  • "The world is not a wish-granting factory"

    Personification: By attributing the human-like function of granting wishes to the world, the phrase personifies the world, giving it a characteristic it does not inherently possess.
    Hyperbole: The idea of a "wish-granting factory" is an exaggerated and fantastical notion, emphasizing the unrealistic nature of expecting all wishes to come true.
  • “My thoughts are stars. I can't fathom into constellations.”
    Metaphor: The entire phrase is metaphorical, comparing the speaker's thoughts to stars and the act of organizing them to forming constellations. This metaphor illustrates the complexity and scattered nature of the speaker's thoughts.
    Juxtaposition: The contrast between “stars” (individual, scattered thoughts) and “constellations” (organized patterns) highlights the difficulty in creating order from chaos.
  • "That's the thing about pain. It demands to be felt.”
    Epiphany: This statement captures a moment of realization or insight, often referred to as an epiphany, about the nature of pain and its role in the human experience.
    Personification: Pain is given human-like qualities by saying it "demands" to be felt. This personification emphasizes the unavoidable and intrusive nature of pain.
  • “You gave me a forever within the numbered days, and I'm grateful.”
    Paradox: The idea of a "forever within the numbered days" is paradoxical because "forever" implies infinity, while "numbered days" suggests a finite, limited amount of time. This paradox emphasizes the profound impact of a finite, but deeply meaningful, experience.
    Metaphor: "Forever" is used metaphorically to represent a timeless, enduring memory or impact, despite the limited time frame.
  • "Maybe okay will be our always."

    Symbolism: The word "okay" symbolizes acceptance, stability, and sufficiency, while "always" symbolizes eternity and permanence. Together, they represent a hopeful but realistic outlook on life and love.
    Contrast: The contrast between "okay" (ordinary, temporary) and "always" (extraordinary, eternal) creates a compelling tension, underscoring the characters' unique perspective on life and love.
  • “You don't get to choose if you get hurt in this world, but you do have some say in who hurts you."
    Antithesis: The use of antithesis is evident in the contrasting clauses: "You don’t get to choose if you get hurt" versus "you do have some say in who hurts you." This device highlights the contrast between lack of control over some aspects of life and the control we can exert in others.
    Colloquialism: The phrase is written in a conversational tone, making it relatable and accessible. This casual language helps convey profound truths in an understandable manner.
  • “I'm a grenade and at some point I'm going to blow up and I would like to minimise the casualties, okay?”
    Foreshadowing: The statement foreshadows future events, hinting at an inevitable moment of crisis or breakdown, preparing the reader for the emotional turmoil to come.
    Euphemism: The phrase “minimize the casualties” is a softer way of expressing the desire to reduce the emotional harm caused to loved ones, making a harsh reality more palatable.
  • “The world wasn't made for us, we were made for the world.”
    Epiphany: The sentence delivers an epiphanic moment, a realization about the true nature of the relationship between humans and the world, which can be a profound and eye-opening concept for the reader.
    Parallelism: The structure of the sentence uses parallelism, repeating a similar grammatical structure in both clauses. This enhances the rhythm and balance of the sentence, making the contrast more striking and memorable.
  • “I'm on a roller coaster that only goes up, my friend.”
    Colloquialism: The use of "my friend" adds a conversational and informal tone to the statement, making it more relatable and engaging for the reader. It also emphasizes the connection between the speaker and the listener.
    Optimism: The statement reflects a sense of optimism and forward momentum, suggesting a positive outlook despite potential challenges.