Literary Devices English 9

Alliteration

(Consonant sounds or any vowels in words or syllables repeated) 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 a repetition of similar sounds in the sentence. Alliterations are also created when the words all begin with the same letter.

Simile

A figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, used to make a description more emphatic or vivid E.g."as brave as a lion, crazy like a fox."

Metaphor

A metaphor is a figure of speech that identifies something as being the same as some unrelated thing for rhetorical effect, thus highlighting the similarities between the two.

Symbol

A thing that represents or stands for something else, especially a material object representing something abstract. Eg. "the limousine was another symbol of his wealth and authority"

Narrative

A verse of prose accounting of an event or sequence of events, real of invented. Also used as a way that the author presents his story.

Allusion

Allusion is a brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing or idea of historical, cultural, literary or political significance. It does not describe in detail the person or thing to which it refers.

Connotation

An idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning. Ex. Below are a few connotation examples. Their suggested meanings are shaped by cultural and emotional associations: -A dog connotes shamelessness or an ugly face. -A dove implies peace or gentility. -Home suggests family, comfort and security.

Characterization

Characterization is the concept of creating characters for a narrative. It is a literary element and may be employed in dramatic works of art or everyday conversation. Characters may be presented by means of description, through their actions, speech, thoughts and interactions with other characters.

Hyperbole

Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally. Eg. My grandmother is as old as the hills. Your suitcase weighs a ton! She is as heavy as an elephant! I am dying of shame.

Figurative language

Figurative language is saying something other than what is literally meant for effect. Figurative devices are metaphor, simile, symbol, metonymy, synecdoche, hyperbole, litotes, personification, apostrophe, verbal irony/sarcasm, and there are more. Imagery is yes, language that appeals to the five senses.

Imagery

Imagery means to use figurative language to represent objects, actions and ideas in such a way that it appeals to our physical senses. Usually it is thought that imagery makes use of particular words that create visual representation of ideas in our minds. The word imagery is associated with mental pictures. However, this idea is but partially correct. Imagery, to be realistic, turns out to be more complex than just a picture

Mood

Mood Definition. In literature, mood is a literary element that evokes certain feelings or vibes in readers through words and descriptions. Usually, mood is referred to as the atmosphere of a literary piece, as it creates an emotional situation that surrounds the readers.

Motif

Motif is an object or idea that repeats itself throughout a literary work.

Diction

The choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing.

Irony

The expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.

Denotation

The literal or primary meaning of a word, in contrast to the feelings or ideas that the word suggests.

Setting

The place or type of surroundings where something is positioned or where an event takes place.

Climax

The turning point, when the conflict is most intense.

Symbolism

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities. Basically the use of one object to represent another or in other words Symbolism is the use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal sense. Eg. The dove is a symbol of peace.

Theme

Theme is defined as a main idea or an underlying meaning of a literary work that may be stated directly or indirectly.

Onomatopeia

Use of words to imitate the sounds they describe ex. boom! crash! meow! murmur of bees...