Literary Devices Flashcards
(11 cards)
SIMILE
Definition: A figure of speech comparing two unlike things using “like” or “as”.
Example: “She is as busy as a bee.”
How to Identify: Look for the words “like” or “as” in comparisons.
Metaphor
Definition: A direct comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as”.
Example: “The world is a stage.”
How to Identify: Look for statements asserting one thing is another.
Alliteration
Definition: Repetition of the same sound or letter at the beginning of closely connected words.
Example: “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.”
How to Identify: Check for repeated sounds at the start of words.
Repetition
Definition: Intentional reuse of words or phrases for emphasis.
Example: “I have a dream, a dream that one day…”
How to Identify: Look for words/phrases used multiple times.
Allusion
Definition: An indirect reference to a person, place, event, or literary work.
Example: “She’s no Cinderella, waiting for her prince.”
How to Identify: Recognize references to well-known cultural or literary elements.
Imagery
Definition: Descriptive language that appeals to the senses.
Example: “The sweet scent of freshly baked cookies filled the air.”
How to Identify: Look for vivid descriptions that engage the senses.
Onomatopoeia
Definition: Words that imitate the sounds they describe.
Example: “The bees buzzed, and the frogs croaked.”
How to Identify: Listen for sound-like words.
Personification
Definition: Giving human traits to non-human things.
Example: “The wind whispered through the trees.”
How to Identify: Look for human actions or feelings attributed to inanimate objects.
Symbolism
Definition: Using an object, person, or action to represent something abstract.
Example: “The dove is a symbol of peace.”
How to Identify: Look for deeper meanings behind objects or actions.
Tone
Definition: The author’s attitude or mood conveyed through writing.
Example: “Somber and reflective” vs. “Playful and lighthearted.”
How to Identify: Analyze the mood and style of the text.
Anaphora
Definition: The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences to create emphasis or rhythm.
Example: “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets.”
How to Identify: Look for repeated words or phrases at the start of consecutive clauses or sentences. Notice if the repetition emphasizes a key idea or establishes a rhythm.
