Literary Devices

Question 1

Allegory

Answer 1

An allegory is a device where the meaning of a greater, often abstract moral or political concept is conveyed with the aid of more material objects or ideas being used as an example.

Examples: Allegory of the cave (for enlightenment)
Faith is like a stony uphill climb: a single stumble might send you sprawling but belief and steadfastness will see you to the very top

Question 2

Alliteration

Answer 2

A literary device where words are used in quick succession and BEGIN with letters belonging to the same sound group. Whether it is the consonant sound or a specific vowel group, the alliteration involves creating repetition of similar sounds in the sentence.

Example: Words beginning with the same letter
The Wicked Witch of the West

Question 3

Allusion

Answer 3

a figure of speech whereby the author refers to a subject matter such as a place, event, or literary work by way of a passing reference. It is up to the reader to make a connection to the subject being mentioned.

Example: It’s no wonder everyone refers to Mary as another Mother Theresa in the making; she loves to help and care after people everywhere, from the streets to her own friends.

Question 4

Amplification

Answer 4

refers to a literary practice wherein the writer embellishes the sentence by adding more information to it in order to increase its worth and understandability

Example: Original sentence: “The thesis paper was difficult.” After amplification: “The thesis paper was difficult: it required extensive research, data collection, sample surveys, interviews and a lot of fieldwork.”

Question 5

Anagram

Answer 5

literary device wherein the writer jumbles up parts of the word to create a new word. From the syllables of a phrase to the individual letters of a word, any fraction can be jumbled to create a new form.

Examples: An anagram for "debit card" is "bad credit"
Tom Marvolo Riddle- I am Lord Voldemort
Stressed and Desserts
Silent and Listen
Redrum and Murder

Question 6

Analogy

Answer 6

literary device that helps to establish a relationship based on similarities between two concepts or ideas. By using an analogy, we can convey a new idea by using the blueprint of an old one as a basis for understanding. With a mental linkage between the two, one can create understanding regarding the new concept in a simple and succinct manner.

Question 7

Anastrophe

Answer 7

literary device wherein the order of the noun and the adjective in the sentence is exchanged. In standard writing, the adjective comes before the noun but when one is employing an anastrophe the noun is followed by the adjective.
Example: He spoke of times past and future, and dreamt of things to be

Question 8

Anecdote

Answer 8

A short verbal accounting of a funny, amusing, interesting, event or incident. The story is usually a reminiscence from the teller’s life but at best is a related story of fact, as opposed to a contrived work of fiction.

Example: Story of “what’s with the hands” story of “pizza crust up nose” story of “Justin scaring me over the couch” Anecdotal evidence from a mother to pediatrician regarding child’s health prior to visit

Question 9

Anthropomorphism

Answer 9

the act of lending a human quality, emotion, or ambition to a non-human object or being.

Example: the raging storm brought with it howling winds and fierce lightning as the residents of the village looked up at the angry skies in alarm.

Question 10

Antithesis

Answer 10

used when a writer employs two sentences of contrasting meanings in close proximity to one another. Whether they are words or phrases of the same sentence, an antithesis is used to create a stark contrast using two divergent elements that come together to create one uniform whole.

Example: When Neil Armstrong walked on the moon it might have been one small step for a man but it was one giant leap for mankind.

Question 11

Aphorism

Answer 11

a concise statement that is made in a matter of fact tone to state a principle or an opinion that is generally understood to be a universal truth. They are often wise sayings aimed at imparting sense and wisdom. It is to be noted that aphorisms are usually witty and curt and often have an underlying tone of authority to them.

Example: Upon seeing the shoddy work done by the employee, the boss told him that anything worth doing, is worth doing well.

Question 12

Archetype

Answer 12

a reference to a concept, a person, or an object that has served as a prototype of its kind and is the original ideal that has come to be used over and over again. They employ the use of a famous concept, person or object to convey a wealth of meaning. Archetypes are immediately identifiable and even though they run the risk of being overused, they are still the best examples of their kind

Examples: Romeo and Juliet are an archetype of eternal love and a star-crossed love story.

Question 13

Assonance

Answer 13

Refers to the repetition of sounds produced by vowels WITHIN a sentence or phrase. It is a type of alliteration, but what sets it apart is the repetition of ONLY VOWEL sounds. Assonance is the exact opposite of Consonance.

Examples: “A long song” Where the ‘o’ sound is repeated in the last two words of the sentence.

Question 14

Asyndeton

Answer 14

A practice in literature whereby the author purposely leaves out conjunctions in the sentence while maintaining the grammatical accuracy of the phrase.

Examples: 1. Read, Write, Learn

2. Watch, Absorb, Understand
3. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Question 15

Authorial Intrusion

Answer 15

When the author penning the story, poem or prose steps away from the text and speaks out to the reader.

Example: Several authors in children’s novels who address the reader; Treasure Island by Robert Stevenson, Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie.

Question 16

Bibliomancy

Answer 16

the practice of basing a plot happening or event and anticipating the results it will have on a faction of the Bible. Refers to foretelling the future by turning to random portions of the Bible for guidance.

Example: Anytime a Chrisitan (or other types of religious people) picks a random scripture they are practicing Bibliomancy and seeking spiritual meaning.

Question 17

Bildungsroman

Answer 17

Storytelling whereby the author bases the plot on the overall growth of the central character throughout the timeline of the story. As the story progresses the subject undergoes noticeable mental, physical, social, emotional, moral, and often spiritual advancement and strengthening before the reader’s eyes.

Example: A lot of Children’s books

Question 18

Cacophony

Answer 18

refers to the use of words and phrases that imply strong, harsh sounds within the phrase. These words have jarring and dissonant sounds that create a disturbing, objectionable atmosphere.

example: His fingers rapped and pounded the door, and his foot thumped against the yellowing wood.

Question 19

Caesura

Answer 19

a literary device that involves creating a fracture of sorts within a sentence where the two separate parts are distinguishable from one another yet intrinsically linked to one another. The purpose of using a caesura is to create a dramatic pause, which has a strong impact. The pause adds an emotional and theatrical touch.

Example: Mozart- oh how your music makes me soar!

Question 20

Characterization

Answer 20

Step by step process wherein an author introduces and then describes a character.

Example: Michael Corleone was not jus’ a mafiaso, but a family man. A man who walked the knife’s edge to preserve his sanity.

Question 21

Chiasmus

Answer 21

a figure of speech containing two phrases that are parallel but inverted to each other

Example: You can take the patriot out of the country, but you cannot take the country out of the patriot.

Question 22

Circumlocution

Answer 22

Form of writing where the writer uses exaggeratedly long and complex sentences in order to convey a meaning that could have otherwise been conveyed through a shorter, much simpler sentence. It involves stating an idea or a view in an indirect manner that leaves the reader guessing and grasping at the actual meaning.

Example: William Faulkner

Question 23

Conflict

Answer 23

A Literary device used for expressing a resistance the protagonist of the story finds in achieving his aims or dreams.

Example: John tried to convince himself that his Hollywood dreams were worth the struggle but his parents, and his inner voice of reason, failed to agree

Question 24

Connotation

Answer 24

Connotations are the associations that people make with words that go beyond the literal or dictionary definition.

Example: And once again, the autumn leaves were falling. This phrase uses’ autumn to signify something coming to an end.

Question 25

Consonance

Answer 25

the repetition of sounds in quick succession produced by consonants within a sentence or phrase. Often found at the end of a word. Opposite of Assonance Example: He struck a streak of bad luck

Question 26

Denotation

Answer 26

refers to the use of the dictionary or literal meaning of a word. Example: They built a house. In the above sentence, "house" is meant literally as in a building where a family lives. If the word "home" was used in place of "house" the meaning would not be so literal.

Question 27

Deus ex Machina

Answer 27

a debatable and often criticized form of literary device. It refers to the incidence where an implausible concept or character is brought into the story in order to make the conflict in the story resolve and to bring about a pleasing solution. Example: GOT t.v. show If in a suspense novel, the protagonist suddenly finds a solution to his dilemmas because of divine intervention

Question 28

Diction

Answer 28

Diction is the writer's choice of words that leads to a specific mood, attitude, dialect, and style of writing. Example: Certain writers in the modern day and age use archaic terms such as 'thy', 'thee', and 'wherefore' to imbue a Shakespearean mood to their work.

Question 29

Doppelganger

Answer 29

Derived from the German language and literally translates into 'double walker.' It refers to a character in the story that is actually a counterfeit or a copy of a genuine character. Example: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Question 30

Ekphrastic

Answer 30

refers to a form of writing, mostly poetry, wherein the author describes another work of art, usually visual. It is used to convey the deeper symbolism of the corporeal art form by means of a separate medium. It has often been found that ekphrastic writing is rhetorical in nature and symbolic of a greater meaning. Example: A photograph of an empty landscape can convey desolation, abandon and loss. Similarly, one can convey the same sentiments and concepts by using phrases such as 'an empty doorway' or 'a childless nursery.'

Question 31

Epilogue

Answer 31

The epilogue is an important literary tool that acts as the afterword once the last chapter is over. The purpose is to add a little insight to some interesting developments that happen once the major plot is over. Example: at the end of Shakespeare's The Tempest, the wizard Prospero addresses the audience directly, breaking down the boundaries of the play. He informs them that the play is over, his powers are gone, and thus his escape from the play's island setting depends on their applause that they, in effect, get to decide his fate.

Question 32

Epithet

Answer 32

literary device that is used as a descriptive device. It is usually used to add to a person or place's regular name and attribute some special quality to the same. Example: "Alexander the Great"

Question 33

Euphemism

Answer 33

refers to the literary practice of using a comparatively milder or less abrasive form of a negative description instead of its original, unsympathetic form. This device is used when writing about matters such as sex, violence, death, crimes and things 'embarrassing' Examples: "to put out to pasture" "downsizing" "friendly fire" "golden years" "gone to heaven"

Question 34

Euphony

Answer 34

refers to the use of phrases and words that are noted for possessing an extensive degree of notable loveliness or melody in the sound they create. Predominately in literary prose and poetry where devices such as alliteration, rhyme, and assonance are used to create pleasant sounds. Opposite of cacophony which is unpleasant and harsh sounds. Example: It's in the ear of the listener. The pleasantness of a word's sound all depends upon one's regional roots.

Question 35

Faulty Parallelism

Answer 35

Involves placing sentence items in a parallel grammatical format wherein nouns are listed together, specific verb forms are listed together and the like. When one fails to follow this parallel structure, it results in faulty parallelism. Example: On the TV show The Simpsons, lead character Bart Simpson says, "they are laughing, not with me"

Question 36

Flashback

Answer 36

a literary device wherein the author depicts the occurrence of specific events to the reader, which have taken place before the present time the narration is following, or events that have happened before the events that are currently unfolding in the story. Example: Back in the day when Sarah was a young girl...

Question 37

Foil

Answer 37

A foil is another character in a story who contrasts with the main character, usually to highlight one of their attributes. Example: Albus Dumbledore who portrays "good" in contrast to Lord Voldemort who is "evil"

Question 38

Foreshadowing

Answer 38

refers to the use of words or phrases that set the stage for the story to unfold. It gives the reader a hint of something that is going to happen without revealing the story or spoiling the suspense. It is used to suggest an upcoming outcome to the story. Example: "he had no idea of the disastrous chain of events to follow"

Question 39

Hubris

Answer 39

another way of saying overly arrogant. You can tell the difference of hubris and just regular arrogance or pride by the fact that the character has seemed to allow reality to slip away from them. "tragic flaw" in writing. Example: Macbeth, the protagonist, overfilled with ambition and arrogance, allows his hubris to think you would be able to kill the valiant Duncan without penalty so he can claim the throne of Scotland for himself. Obviously, murder is highly frowned upon, so this eventually leads to Macbeth's demise as well.

Question 40

Hyperbaton

Answer 40

a literary device wherein the author plays with the regular positioning of words and phrases and creates a differently structured sentence to convey the same meaning. It is said by using a hyperbaton, words or phrases overstep their conventional placements and result in a more complex and intriguing sentence structure. Anastrophe is interchanging nouns and adjectives, whereas hyperbaton is not limited by part of speech. Example: "Alone he walked on the cold, lonely roads". This sentence is a variation of the more conventional, "He walked alone on the cold, lonely roads".

Question 41

Hyperbole

Answer 41

a literary device wherein the author uses specific words and phrases that exaggerate and overemphasize the basic crux of the statement in order to produce a grander, more noticeable effect. Example: I'm so tired I cannot walk another inch" or "I'm so sleepy I might fall asleep standing here."

Question 42

Imagery

Answer 42

literary device wherein the author uses words and phrases to create "mental images" for the reader. Example: The gushing brook stole its way down the lush green mountains, dotted with tiny flowers in a riot of colors and trees coming alive with gaily chirping birds.

Question 43

Internal Rhyme

Answer 43

a practice of forming a rhyme in only one long line of verse. Also known as the middle rhyme. Example: The line from the famed poem Ancient Mariner, " we were the first that ever burst"

Question 44

Inversion

Answer 44

refers to the practice of changing the conventional placement of words. Example: Let's eat Grandma" and "Grandma, let's eat."

Question 45

Irony

Answer 45

refers to playing around with words such that the meaning implied by a sentence or word is actually different from the literal meaning. Often used to suggest the stark contrast of the literal meaning put forth. Example: Writing a sentence such as, "Oh! What fine luck I have!". The sentence on the surface conveys happiness with luck but actually what they mean is that they are extremely unhappy with their luck.

Question 46

Juxtaposition

Answer 46

literary device wherein the author places a person, concept, place, idea or theme parallel to another highlighting the contrast between the two. Examples: traits of God and Satan in comparison with one another to highlight their differences.

Question 47

Kennings

Answer 47

related to works in Old English poetry where the author would use a twist of words, figure of speech or magic poetic phrase or a newly created compound sentence or phrase to refer to a person, object, place, action, or idea. Example: Battle-sweat = Blood Sky-candle=Sun Whale-road=Ocean Light-of-battle=Sword

Question 48

Litotes

Answer 48

figures of rhetoric speech that use an understated statement of an affirmative by using a negative description. They are a discreet way of saying something unpleasant without directly using negativity. Examples: "I'm not feeling bad" "not the brightest bulb" "dim bulb"

Question 49

Malapropism

Answer 49

the practice of misusing words by substituting words with similar sounding words that have different, often unconnected meanings, and thus creating a situation of confusion, misunderstanding and amusement. It is used to convey that the speaker is flustered, bothered, unaware or confused and as a result cannot employ proper diction. Example: Our watch, sir, have indeed comprehended two auspicious persons." But, what they meant to say was: "Our watch, sir, have indeed apprehended two suspicious persons"

Question 50

Metaphor

Answer 50

refers to a meaning or identity ascribed to one subject by way of another. One subject is implied to be another so as to draw a comparison between their similarities and shared traits. Example: Henry was a lion on the battlefield.

Question 51

Metonymy

Answer 51

practice of not using the formal word for an object or subject and instead referring to it by using another word that is intricately linked to the formal name or word. It is the practice of substituting the main word with a word that is closely linked to it. Example: The phrase "Washington D.C." is metonymy for the government of the U.S. in this case.

Question 52

Mood

Answer 52

a definitive stance the author adopts in shaping a specific emotional perspective towards the subject of the literary work.

Question 53

Motif

Answer 53

any element, subject, idea, or concept that is constantly present through the entire body of literature. repetition of a specific theme dominating the literary work. Example: motif of 'handsome prince' falling in love with a 'damsel in distress' and the two being bothered by a wicked step mother, evil witch or beast and conquering all to live 'happily ever after' is a common motif.

Question 54

Negative Capability

Answer 54

coming to terms with the face that some matters might have to be left unsolved, and uncertain. Example: a lot of John Keats poems- Ode to a Nightingale

Question 55

Nemesis

Answer 55

poetic justice wherein the positive characters are rewarded and the negative characters are penalized. Example: Harry Potter is the nemesis of evil Lord Voldemort

Question 56

Onomatopoeia

Answer 56

words whose sound is very close to the sound they are meant to depict Examples: buzz, snap

Question 57

Oxymoron

Answer 57

literary device that allows authors to use contradictory, contrasting concepts placed together in a manner that actually ends up making sense in a strange, and slightly complex manner. Examples: Sometimes we cherish things of little value. He possessed a cold fire in his eyes. a Loud Silence

Question 58

Paradox

Answer 58

use of concepts or ideas that are contradictory to one another, yet, when placed together hold significant value on several levels. Examples: High walls make not a palace; full coffers make not a king. Everyone is unique... just like everyone else.

Question 59

Pathetic Fallacy

Answer 59

literary device whereby the author ascribes the human feelings of one or more of his or her characters to nonhuman objects or nature or phenomena. It is a type of personification, and is known to occur more by accident and less on purpose. Example: The softly whispering teapot informed him it was time for breakfast.

Question 60

Periodic Structure

Answer 60

refers to a particular placement of sentence elements such as the main clause of the sentence and/or its predicate are purposely held off and placed at the end instead of at the beginning or their conventional positions. So, the crux of the sentence's meaning does not become clear to the reader until they reach the last part. Example: Instead of "brokenhearted and forlorn she waited till the end of her days for his return" one may write "for his return, brokenhearted and forlorn, waited she till the end of her days."

Question 61

Periphrasis

Answer 61

refers to the use of excessive language and surplus words to convey a meaning that could otherwise be conveyed with fewer words and in more direct a manner. Unlike circumlocution (which is hard to understand and has harder words) Periphrasis is still easy to understand.

Question 62

Personification

Answer 62

the practice of attaching human traits and characteristics with inanimate objects, phenomena and animals. Example: The wise owl, the raging wind

Question 63

Plot

Answer 63

the sequence of events and happenings that make up a story.

Question 64

Point of view

Answer 64

manner in which a story is narrated or depicted and who it is that tells the story.

Question 65

Polysyndeton

Answer 65

process of using conjunctions or connecting words frequently in a sentence, placed very close to one another. Example: "here and there and everywhere" versus "here, there, and everywhere"

Question 66

Portmanteau

Answer 66

the practice of joining together two or more words in order to create and entirely new word. Examples: Smog (fog+smoke) Liger (Lion+Tiger)

Question 67

Prologue

Answer 67

introduction to a story that usually sets the tone for the story and acts as a bit of a backgrounder or a 'sneak peak' into the story

Question 68

Puns

Answer 68

wherein a word is used in a manner to suggest two or more possible meanings. Examples: my puns are punny

Question 69

Rhyme Scheme

Answer 69

rhyming words placed at the end of the lines in the prose or poetry. 'abab' aabaab' 'abcb'

Question 70

Rhythm and Rhyme

Answer 70

pattern of rhymes created by using words that produce the same or similar sounds creating a musical, gentle effect. Example: I'm a little teapot short and stout here is my handle here is my spout...

Question 71

Satire

Answer 71

practice of making fun of a human weakness or character flaw. Its purpose is not to entertain and amuse but actually to derive a reaction of contempt from the reader. Example: late night shows, southpark

Question 72

Setting

Answer 72

used to identify and establish the time, place, and mood of the events of the story.

Question 73

Simile

Answer 73

practice of drawing parallels or comparison between two unrelated and dissimilar things, people, beings, places and concepts. Marked by the words 'as' 'such as' 'like' Example: He is like a mouse in front of the teacher

Question 74

Spoonerism

Answer 74

practice of interchanging the first letters of some words in order to create new words or even to create a humourous setting. known as 'slip of the tongue' or 'witty wordplay' Example: In the dark sea of darkness

Question 75

Stanza

Answer 75

refers to a single, related chunk of lines in poetry.

Question 76

Stream of Consciousness

Answer 76

an uninterrupted and unhindered collection and occurrence of thoughts and ideas in the conscious mind. Example: Virginia Woolf's writing or William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying

Question 77

Suspense

Answer 77

intense feeling that an audience goes through while waiting for the outcome of certain events.

Question 78

Symbol

Answer 78

literary device that contains several layers of meaning, often concealed at first sight, and is representative of several other aspects, concepts or traits than those that are visible in the literal translation alone. It uses an object or action that means something more than its literal meaning. Example: 'a new dawn' not just a new day but a fresh chance

Question 79

Synechdoche

Answer 79

literary device that uses a part of something to refer to the whole or vice versa. Somewhat rhetorical in nature. Example: "weary feet in the walk of life" does not refer to the feet actually being tired or painful; it is symbolic of a long, hard struggle through the journey of life and feeling low, tired, un-optimistic...

Question 80

Synesthesia

Answer 80

a medical condition wherein one or many of the sensory modalities become joined to one another, in literature it refers to the depiction of a strong connection, link or bond between the different sense. Example: lilacs taste purple colors are loud enough to be heard

Question 81

Syntax

Answer 81

the way in which words and sentences are placed together.

Question 82

Theme

Answer 82

the base that acts as a foundation for the entire literary piece. It links all aspects of the literary work with one another and is basically the main subject. Example: Romeo and Juliet- Love

Question 83

Tone

Answer 83

the perspective or attitude that the author adopts with regards to a specific character, place or development. Portrays a variety of emotions ranging from solemn, grave, and critical to witty, wry and humorous. Helps the reader ascertain the writer's feelings towards a particular topic.

Question 84

Tragedy

Answer 84

a series of unfortunate events by which one or more of the literary characters in the story undergo several misfortunes, which finally culminate into a disaster of 'epic porportions'

Question 85

Understatement

Answer 85

practice of drawing attention to a fact that is already obvious and noticeable. Examples: Oh, I wonder if he could get any later; I am free all day long.

Question 86

Verisimilitude

Answer 86

based around the appearance or proximity to being real, or the truth. It is a way of implying the believability or likelihood of a theory or narrative. Example: if something 'seems' like it's all well and good, but you can't quite decide, then it can be said to have Verisimilitude.

Question 87

Verse

Answer 87

used to refer to any single, lone line of a poetry composition. Example: a single line or stanza in a poem would be an example of verse.

Question 88

Difference between: Personification Anthropomorphism Pathetic Fallacy

Answer 88

Personification is the ascribing big LIVING characteristics to non-living objects (I.e. the stapler jumped out of my hand) Anthropomorphism is the ascribing of HUMAN characteristics to non-human objects or beings (included animals). Pathetic Fallacy is the ascribing of the MAIN CHARACTER’S emotions to the surroundings (usually the weather and nature)

Question 89

Difference between: Metaphor Analogy

Answer 89

Metaphors compare object to object: the stars were diamonds in the night sky Analogies compare relationship to relationship: her writing was as essential to her as water was to a fish.

Question 90

Difference between: Allegory Metaphor

Answer 90

Allegory uses a narrative in its entirety to express an idea or teach a lesson Metaphor uses a word or phrase to represent an idea