Literary Techniques Flashcards
(32 cards)
Allegory
A narrative that operates on two levels: a literal one and a deeper, often symbolic, meaning. This deeper meaning frequently comments on real-world events or issues.
Alliteration
The repetition of initial consonant sounds in successive words, creating rhythm and emphasis.
Allusion
A subtle or indirect reference to a person, event, place, or another text, enriching the meaning through association.
Anaphora
The deliberate repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences to achieve emphasis and cohesion.
Assonance
The repetition of vowel sounds within closely placed words, contributing to rhythm and mood.
Colloquial Language
Informal language that reflects everyday speech, often used to create a sense of realism.
Connotation
The implied or suggested meaning associated with a word beyond its literal definition, influencing tone and emotional impact.
Contrast
The placement of differing elements close together to highlight their differences and create emphasis.
Dialogue
Direct speech between characters, used to reveal character traits and advance the plot.
Diction
The choice of words and style of expression by an author, shaping tone and conveying specific nuances.
Emotive Language
Words or phrases designed to evoke an emotional response from the reader.
Euphemism
A mild or indirect word or expression used in place of one considered too harsh or blunt.
Exclamation
A sudden cry or remark expressing surprise, strong emotion, or pain, often punctuated with an exclamation mark.
Flashback
A scene set in a time earlier than the main story, providing background information and context.
Foreshadowing
Hints or clues about what will happen later in the story, building anticipation and suspense.
Hyperbole
Exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally, used for emphasis or effect.
Imagery
Descriptive language that appeals to the senses, creating vivid mental pictures.
Irony
A contrast between expectation and reality, often highlighting discrepancies and adding depth to the narrative.
Juxtaposition
Placing two elements side by side to present a comparison or contrast, highlighting differences or similarities.
Metaphor
A figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things without using “like” or “as,” suggesting they are alike in a significant way.
Motif
A recurring element that has symbolic significance in a story, contributing to themes and mood.
Onomatopoeia
A word that phonetically imitates the sound it describes, enhancing sensory experience.
Oxymoron
A figure of speech in which contradictory terms appear together, revealing a deeper or hidden truth.
Paradox
A statement that contradicts itself but may include a latent truth, provoking thought and illustrating complex ideas.
