English 1 Litterary Devices

Diction

Smallest unit of meaning (the certain words chosen)

Denotation

Dictionary Definition— confirm which one the author uses

Cannotation

Feeing invoked from the word. Words can be neutral—be careful

Context

What is happening around the words that affect the way a word is perceived

Mood

Atmosphere— how the author intends the reader to feel about a certain situation as a whole

Tone

Author, narrator or character’s attitude toward an image, subject and/or character

Juxtaposition

Two unlike images, descriptions, scenes etc. that are placed close together for contrasting effect

Symbol

Tangible object (person place thing action) based on description and context that means something more than itself

Metaphor

A comparison either present or implied that increases understanding

Archetype

Symbolic patterns (light/dark, spring/ fall)

Themes

Universal qualities accounting for the entire story in a complete sentence (no cliche)

Motif

An idea/ subject that is repeated throughout a story (Object means something more)

Imagery (sight)

Visual

Imagery

Detailed image that author creates to establish character, mood etc.

Imagery (sound/hearing)

Auditory

Imagery (taste)

Gustatory

Imagery (touch)

Tactile

Imagery (smell)

Olfactory

Imagery (movement)

Kinesthetic

Characterization

Looking for motivation/role (Appearance, character interaction, decisions, conflict/reaction)

Personality static

No change

Personality dynamic

Change

Personality Flat

One defining characteristic

Personality Round

Many defining traits

Allusion

Author refers back to something from popular culture