literary devices: quiz #1

ap literature & composition

metaphor

a direct comparison between two unlike things without using "like" or "as"

simile

a comparison between two unlike things using "like" or "as"

personification

giving human qualities to non-human things or abstracy ideas

hyperbole

an extreme exaggeration used for emphasis or effect

understatement

a figure of speech that makes a situation seem less important or serious than it is

protagonist

the main character of a story, often the one the reader roots for

antagonist

the character or force in conflict with the protagonist

conflict

a struggle between opposing forces; the engine of the story

allegory

a story in which characters, events, and setting symbolically represent abstract ideas, moral qualities, or political concepts

allusion

a reference to a well-known person, place, event, or work of art/literature

irony

a contrast between expectation and reality

imagery

descriptive language that appeals to the five senses

paradox

a statement that seems self-contradictory but reveals a deeper truth

juxtaposition

placing two contrasting elements side by side to highlight differences

symbol

an object, character or event that represents a deeper meaning

tone

the author's attitude toward the subject or audience

setting

the time and place in which a story occurs

epiphany

a sudden realization or insight experienced by a character

foreshadowing

hints or clues about what will happen later in the story

alliteration

the repetition of the same initial consonant sound in closely connected words, often used to create rhythm, mood, or emphasis