Learn: Literary Devices and Terms: Allegory, Apostrophe, Archetype, Dialect, Diction, Didactic, Double Entendre, Epiphany, Juxtaposition, Polysyndeton

Allegory

A narrative made up of a network of symbols that work together to give the story a second life, illuminating meaning.

Apostrophe

A figure of speech where an inanimate object or absent person is addressed as if it was present and/or able to respond.

Archetype

Actions, characters and situations that occur frequently in literature and can be easily recognized by readers.

Dialect

Language specific to a particular group of people; may involve spelling sounds, grammar, punctuation, or vocabulary: different from the groups around them.

Diction

A writer's choice of words - Formal or Informal.

Didactic

An adjective used to describe writing that is intended to teach or preach. "Lecture" can also describe the tone of a piece of writing.

Double Entendre

A word, phrase, or statement intended to be understood in two ways; one of those ways usually has sexual connotations.

Epiphany

A moment of sudden realization or understanding or insight; may lead a character to undergo a significant change in personality, character, or outlook.

Juxtaposition

The placement of two things, characters, or ideas next to one another for the purpose of comparison and contrast.

Polysyndeton

Using many conjunctions to achieve an overwhelming effect in a sentence.