Literary Devices

Question 1

What are literary devices?

Answer 1

Techniques used by the author to convey meaning, express ideas and highlight important themes in a piece of text.

Question 2

Irony

Answer 2

How can you spot it: contradicting “actual meaning”
contradictory statements or situations reveal a reality that is different from what appears to be true.

Question 3

Irony in Super-Toys Last All Summer Long

Answer 3

…

Question 4

Situational Irony

Answer 4

Contradicts the expectations.
Ex: Super toys…
In “The Loterry” It is ironic that Mrs.Hutchinson takes the lottery lightly as if it’s no big deal yet she, later on, becomes the chosen one that will be stoned to death.

Question 5

Diction

Answer 5

How can you spot it: Word choice of the author.
The author specifically used that word to make a statement.

Question 6

Diction in Super-Toys

Answer 6

p. 75 The author’s use of the word “fascinated” suggests that David has somewhat of a consciousness.

Question 7

Foreshadowing

Answer 7

Indication/Hint that something will happen later.
Creates suspense and dramatic tension.

Question 8

Foreshadowing in Super-Toys

Answer 8

Brian Aldiss foreshadows that something is wrong with David when he was describing Monica’s feelings towards him saying “She had tried to love him”

Question 9

Symbolism

Answer 9

Something/someone symbolizes something.
Stands for something or suggests something.

Question 10

Symbolism in Super-Toys

Answer 10

the rose EX

Question 11

Characterization

Answer 11

The author gives traits/values/goals to characters. The author is directly telling the audience the personality of these two children.

Question 12

Characterization in Super-Toys

Answer 12

EX

Question 13

Flat and Round characters

Answer 13

flat: uncomplicated do not change throughout course of a work
Round: complex and undergo development

Question 14

Flat and round characters in Super toys

Answer 14

Flat: Teddy and Henry. EX
Round: Monica and David. EX

Question 15

Flat and round characters in Super toys

Answer 15

Flat: Teddy and Henry. EX
Round: Monica and David. EX

Question 16

Direct and Indirect characters

Answer 16

Direct: Author explicitly states character’s personality.
Indirect: Author shows characters’ traits without explicitly describing them.

Question 17

Direct indirect characters in Super toys

Answer 17

Direct: Monica David EX
Indirect: Teddy Henry EX

Question 18

Setting

Answer 18

Location and time frame in which the action of a narrative takes place.

Question 19

Setting in Super toys

Answer 19

EX

Question 20

Plot

Answer 20

Series of events

Question 21

Plot in Super-Toys

Answer 21

EX