Literary Devices Flashcards
(23 cards)
What is symbolism?
The use of objects, colors, or events to represent deeper meanings.
Example: A raven often symbolizes death or foreboding.
What is alliteration?
The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words.
Example: “The silver sails shimmered on the silent sea.”
What is personification?
Giving human characteristics to non-human objects or ideas.
Example: “The wind whispered secrets through the trees.”
What is hyperbole?
Exaggeration for emphasis or dramatic effect.
Example: “He had a mountain of paperwork to complete.”
What is irony?
A contrast between expectations and reality, often for humor or suspense.
Example: “The fire station burned down.”
What is imagery?
Vivid, descriptive language that appeals to the senses.
Example: “The golden sun bathed the valley in honeyed light.”
What is onomatopoeia?
Words that imitate natural sounds.
Example: “The bacon sizzled in the pan.”
What is juxtaposition?
Placing two contrasting ideas or images side by side for effect.
Example: “She stood in the doorway, her radiant dress glowing against the dark, crumbling walls.”
What is assonance?
The repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words.
Example: “The light of the fire is a sight to admire.”
What is consonance?
The repetition of consonant sounds, especially at the end of words.
The Example: “The ship has sailed to the silent shore.”
What is euphemism?
A polite or mild way to say something unpleasant.
Example: “He passed away” instead of “He died.”
What is Anaphora?
The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive sentences.
Example: “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields.”
What is epistrophe?
The repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive sentences.
Example: “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.”
What is paradox?
A statement that seems contradictory but reveals truth.
Example: “Less is more.”
What is an oxymoron?
A combination of opposite words for dramatic effect.
Example: “Bittersweet memories.”
What is an Allegory?
A story or work that represents a deeper meaning, often moral or political.
Example: Animal Farm by George Orwell is an allegory for political power and revolution.
What is a synecdoche?
Using a part of something to represent the whole.
Example: “All hands on deck!” (where “hands” refers to sailors).
What is metonymy?
Using a related word to stand in for another concept.
Example: “The crown will decide the nation’s fate.” (where “crown” represents royalty or leadership).
What is foreshadowing?
Hinting at future events.
Example: “Dark clouds loomed—a storm was coming.”
What is pathetic fallacy?
Nature reflecting emotions.
Example: “The angry storm matched his fury.”
What are successive sentences?
Successive sentences follow one another in a sequence, often repeating a structure or idea for emphasis.
What is sibilance?
The repetition of “s” sound to create mood and tone
What is chiasmus?
A mirrored structure often reversing the order of words
(e.g., “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”).
