Literary Devices

Question 1

What is a simile?

Answer 1

A figure of speech that compares two different things using ‘like’ or ‘as’.

Question 2

True or False: A metaphor directly states that one thing is another.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Fill in the blank: An _______ is an exaggeration for emphasis or effect.

Answer 3

hyperbole

Question 4

What literary device involves giving human traits to non-human entities?

Answer 4

Personification

Question 5

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a form of irony? A) Hyperbole B) Sarcasm C) Alliteration

Answer 5

B) Sarcasm

Question 6

What is the purpose of an allusion in literature?

Answer 6

To reference a well-known person, place, event, or work to create meaning.

Question 7

What does the term ‘imagery’ refer to in literature?

Answer 7

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses.

Question 8

Fill in the blank: A _______ is a recurring theme or idea in a literary work.

Answer 8

motif

Question 9

What is the effect of using a rhetorical question?

Answer 9

To provoke thought or emphasize a point rather than elicit an answer.

Question 10

True or False: Alliteration is the repetition of vowel sounds.

Answer 10

False

Question 11

What is the difference between a symbol and a motif?

Answer 11

A symbol represents a larger idea, while a motif is a recurring element that contributes to the theme.

Question 12

Fill in the blank: A _______ is a brief, witty saying that expresses a general truth or principle.

Answer 12

aphorism

Question 13

Connotation

Answer 13

the emotional associations evoked by a word

Question 14

Multiple Choice: Which literary device creates a contrast between expectation and reality? A) Paradox B) Irony C) Allegory

Answer 14

B) Irony

Question 15

True or False: A hyperbole can be used for comedic effect.

Answer 15

True

Question 16

What is the term for the attitude or emotional quality of a work?

Answer 16

Tone

Question 17

What is the role of foreshadowing in a narrative?

Answer 17

To provide hints or clues about events that will occur later in the story.

Question 18

Multiple Choice: Which device uses a comparison without ‘like’ or ‘as’? A) Simile B) Alliteration C) Metaphor

Answer 18

C) Metaphor

Question 19

What do we call the repetition of the same initial consonant sounds in a sequence of words?

Answer 19

Alliteration

Question 20

What is the effect of using anaphora in writing?

Answer 20

To create emphasis through the repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of successive clauses.

Question 21

What is antithesis and what is it’s function?

Answer 21

Contrasting ideas in a parallel arrangement of words

Function: highlights critical point in an argument, underscores conflict + appeals to readers sense of logic and emotion

Question 22

What is euphemism? Function?

Answer 22

A mild or pleasant-sounding expression that substitutes for a harsh, indelicate, or simply less pleasant idea

Function: control tone by concealing unpleasantness, keeps audience engaged

Question 23

What is parallelism? Function?

Answer 23

Grammatical similarity between sentences or parts of a sentence

Function: reinforce ideas through rhythmic patterns and flow

Question 24

What is analogy?

Answer 24

A comparison or similarity between like features of two different things; used to help reader/listener understand better

Question 25

What is asyndeton?

Answer 25

the omission of conjunctions (and, but, or, not, etc.) that would ordinarily join words