Literary devices Flashcards
(44 cards)
Symbol
(Easy)
A mark or sign that stands for, or represents, something else.
Simple Version: A sign that represent something else
For example an infinity sign
Simile
(Easy)
A figure of speech in which words such as “like” or “as” are used to compare to unlike things.
For example: My mom is as pretty as a flower.
Metaphor
(Easy)
An implied comparison (without using “like” or “as”).
Simplified version: It’s the same as a simile but no using like or as
Example: My sister is such a pig when she eats.
Cliffhanger
(Mid)
A term borrowed from serialized films in which a moment of suspense or tensin ends an episode. In a book, a cliffhanger is usually placed at the end of the chapter to encourage the reader to keep on reading.
Easy version: When a chapter ends in suspense.enticing you 2 read more
Hook
(Mid)
In literature, a hook is compelling first sentence in a novel or chapter that entices a reader into the story.
Personification
(Easy)
The technique of attributing human qualities to non-living objects.
Example: My computer hates me/the car groaned as the engine started/ The city slept
Foreshadowing
(Hard)
Refers to the clues an author provides about events to come later in the book.
Inference
(Mid)
A logical conclusion is based on the clues given by the author.
Allusion
(Mid)
A reference to a famous, historical, biblical, mythological, or literary person or event.
For example: Chocolate cake is my Achillis heel
Malapropism
(Easy)
Incorrect use of a word, especially when a speaker confuses two sounds, and the result of the mistake is humorous.
Easy version: When you use a word incorrectly making it funny
Euphemism
(Mid)
A word or term that has mild or vague connotations and that serves to mask the harshness or offensiveness of the actual word.
Easy version: Using another word to make the meaning sound less harsh
For example: Passed away instead of died/Let go instead of fired
Mood
(Hard)
The feeling the author crates through carefully chosen words or phrases, settings, and events.
Easy version; The feeling the reader gets when reading
Conflict
(Mid)
Refers to the clash of opposing forces or between characters.
Easy version: The problem between to forces
Characterization
(Easy)
The way a writer reveals the personality of a character is called characterization.
Setting
(Easy)
The place and time in a novel, play, or short story.
For example: I am at my house.
Plot
(Easy)
The series of related events that make up a story.
Theme
(Mid)
Insight about life or human nature that the writer presents to the reader.
Easy version: The main message of the story
For example: Courage/Friendship/The power of love
Point of view
(Easy)
Every story is told from a particular point of view or perspective.
Easy version: The perspective in literature
First-person point of view: I, me, and we.
Third-person point of view: He, she, and they.
Alliteration
(Easy)
A repetition of constant sounds at the beginning of words.
For example: Sally sells seashells by the sea shore.
Onomatopoeia
(Easy)
The use of words whose sounds suggest their meaning.
Easy version: Sounds written out
For example: BANG! ZOOM! POW!
Hyperbole
(Easy)
Exaggeration for effect, not meant to be taken literally.
Easy version: Something that is being exaggerated
For example: I’m so hungry I could eat a zebra! THis person can’t actually eat a zebra, but they’re trying to say that they are really hungry.
Humor
(Mid)
The quality that makes something funny is called humor. Writers create humor using exaggeration, wordplay, sarcasm, witty dialogue, unlikely comparisons, and other devices.
Easy version: Something funny
Dialect
(Hard)
The particular use of language spoken in a definite place by a distinct group of people. Writers use dialect to establish the setting and to develop characters.
Easy version: A particular way of talking in a book
For Example:
-Hey ya’ll (Hello) -Like, I dunno, Dude (I don’t know)
Tone
(Hard)
The tone of a piece of writing is the writer’s attitude towards the subject.
