Lit Devices

Diction

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

Imagery

Visually descriptive or figurative language,

Motif

A distinctive feature or dominant idea

Symbolism

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities

Metaphor

A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.

Simile

Comparison using like or as

Syntax

The arrangement of words and phrases

Tone

The general character or attitude of a place, piece of writing, situation, etc.

Mood

A particular feeling or state of mind. See Tone

Diegetic Sound

Sound the characters can hear.

Non-diegetic Sound

Sound the characters can’t hear.

Line

Explicit or implied lines in a visual work

Shape

2D or 3D shapes

Value

Relative lightness or darkness

Color

The colors used. Includes how cool or warm the colors are.

Texture

The implied roughness or smoothness of an object.

Composition

How a visual work is arranged.

Pattern

Repeating lines, shapes, values, colors, textures, etc create patterns.

Balance

The distribution of visual weight. Can be balanced or unbalanced.

Ethos

Appeals to the credibility of a person, such as an expert or a celebrity.

Pathos

Appeals to emotion. Includes humor.

Logos

Appeals to logic. Includes facts and figures.

Testimonial

Having a celebrity endorse a product.

Transfer

Using positive ideas to suggest that a product also has those qualities. Ex: a cool breeze being used to imply clothes will keep you cool.

Plain Folks

Using ordinary people (not celebrities) to suggest that a product is for ordinary people.

Irony

Things differing from what is expected.

Verbal Irony

Ironic words or phrases. Includes sarcasm, understatement, and exaggeration.

Situational Irony

Situations that are ironic.

Dramatic Irony

When the audience knows things the characters don’t.

Allusion

Reference to something else without explicitly mentioning it.

People

Who is shown in a visual text.

Parody

Mocking another text by imitating it.

Pastiche

Celebrating another text by imitating it.

Framing

How the camera is positioned. Mainly elements bordering the action.

Lighting

How bright/dim the lighting is and where the light comes from.

Movement

Motion of the camera or elements in the scene.

Space

The area between and around objects.

Contrast

Differing elements to direct the viewer’s attention.

Proportion

The relative sizes of elements in a visual work.

Unity

A sense of harmony between elements.

Headline

Bold text that provides a hook.

Layout

Composition of text. Ex: bullet points, boxed text, etc.

Interactive Features

Links, buttons, etc on websites.

Embedded Interviews

Interviews that are used/referenced in an article.

Register

Forms of text that appear to have been spoken.

Structure

Headings and subheadings used to organize a text.