Literary Devices and Their Meanings

Volta

when there is a turn in the sonnet and the rest of the poem starts to use a different word for the rhyme eg. ABAB CDCD

Anaphora

the rhyming of the first line of the poem throughout the poem

Sonnet

ABAB

Enjambment

the continuation of the thought that is on a proceeding line

Diction

why a specific word is used and not an alternative eg. lightning vs striking or shocking

Personification

when a non-human thing is given or possesses human traits, or can carry out human action/activities

Metaphor

an object in, or the subject of, a poem is described as being the same as another otherwise unrelated object

Simile

The subject of the poem is described by comparing it to another object or subject, using 'as' or 'like'

Ceasura

an intentional space between words in the middle of a line

End-stopped

a line that ends with punctuation eg. ",.-;"

Em-dash

for the addition of more information

Rhyming couplets

AABB CCDD

Rhyming scheme

the order the rhymes are set up, which lines will rhyme with each line

Alliteration

the repetition of the same sound at the start of a series of words in succession whose purpose is to provide an audible pulse that gives a piece of writing a lulling, lyrical, and/or emotive effect

Onomatopoeia

words that sound like the sounds they describe to create a sense of sound and movement in a poem

Symbol

something that is generally recognized to represent a certain idea

Juxtaposition

placing two contrasting ideas, images, or concepts side-by-side to highlight their differences and create a deeper meaning or emotional impact for the reader

Slant rhymes

rhyming structures with words that share similar sounds but aren't exactly perfect rhymes

Capitalization

often used to add structure and flair to a poem, and can be used to highlight certain words or phrases

Intentional syllables

the deliberate counting and placement of syllables within a line of verse, often following a set pattern to create a specific rhythm or meter, where the poet consciously chooses words with a certain number of syllables to achieve a desired effect in the poem

Connotation

an idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning.

satire

A literary work that criticizes human misconduct and ridicules vices, stupidities, and follies.

perfect rhyme

Rhymes involving sound that are exactly the same (ex: love, dove)

Foreshadowing

A narrative device that hints at coming events; often builds suspense or anxiety in the reader.

Carrier bag theory of fiction

The idea that a novel is a bag that holds meaning; a physical and metaphorical object that we put stuff in to carry around/transport. By Ursula Le Guin

homage

Honor or respect shown publicly

Ekphrasis

a vivid description of a scene or, more commonly, a work of art

Transformation

taking on a new form

narrative perspective

the point of view from which a story is told

Inheritance

something being passed down

literary convention

A defining feature of a particular literary form. An example would be beginning a letter with the greeting "Dear."

animal/animality

animal nature or character

"granite slab of truth"

metaphor that evokes the idea of a firm, unyielding foundation of truth

persona

an individual's characteristic pattern of thinking, feeling, and acting

Unheimlich (uncanny)

to reveal something that was previously hidden

the return of latent or repressed thought

equivocation

the use of ambiguous language to conceal the truth or to avoid committing oneself; prevarication

lament

to express sorrow; to grieve

balzon

a coat of arms or shield. catalogues the physical attributes of a subject, usually female.