AP Lit - Literary devices to memorise

Metaphor

Direct comparison between unlike things

Metaphor

Time is a thief

Simile

Comparison using like or as

Simile

Her smile was like sunshine

Personification

Giving human qualities to nonhuman things

Personification

The wind whispered

Imagery

Descriptive language appealing to the senses

Imagery

Creates an atmosphere or experience

Symbolism

Something concrete represents a larger idea

Symbolism

A locked door symbolizes restriction

Allusion

Reference to another text, event, or person

Allusion

Biblical or mythological references

Diction

An author’s specific word choices

Diction

Harsh words create a threatening tone

Connotation

Associations beyond a word’s literal definition

Connotation

Home suggests security or belonging

Denotation

A word’s literal meaning

Denotation

The dictionary definition

Hyperbole

Deliberate exaggeration

Hyperbole

I’ve told you a million times

Understatement

Presenting something as less important or severe than it is

Understatement

Calling a disaster a small inconvenience

Paradox

An apparent contradiction that reveals a truth

Paradox

Less is more

Oxymoron

Contradictory terms placed together

Oxymoron

Deafening silence

Irony

A difference between expectation and reality

Irony

A character’s success causes their downfall

Juxtaposition

Placing contrasting ideas or images together

Juxtaposition

Innocence beside violence

Motif

Recurring image, idea, or pattern

Motif

Repeated references to darkness

Extended metaphor / conceit

A comparison developed across multiple lines

Extended metaphor / conceit

Comparing romantic relationships to a flea