Literary Devices – Grade 12 Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards that define key literary devices discussed in the Grade 12 21st-Century Literature lecture.

Allusion

An indirect reference to a well-known person, place, event, or work meant to deepen meaning through cultural connection.

Diction

An author’s deliberate choice of words to convey mood, tone, and meaning (formal, informal, colloquial, slang, poetic, etc.).

Alliteration

Repetition of the same initial consonant sound in closely placed words to add rhythm and memorability (e.g., “Peter Piper picked…”).

Assonance

Repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words, creating internal rhyme and musicality (e.g., “rain in Spain stays mainly…”).

Euphemism

A mild or indirect expression substituted for one that is harsh or blunt when discussing unpleasant or sensitive topics (e.g., “passed away” for died).

Flashback

A narrative shift that transports the story to an earlier time in order to reveal background, motivation, or context.

Foreshadowing

Author-placed hints or clues that suggest future events, building tension and suspense.

Imagery

Vivid, sensory language that appeals to sight, sound, smell, taste, or touch, helping readers visualize scenes and emotions.

Personification

Attributing human qualities or actions to non-human objects, animals, or abstract ideas (e.g., “the moon watched silently”).

Juxtaposition

Placement of contrasting elements side by side—characters, settings, themes, or visuals—to highlight differences or create irony.

Onomatopoeia

A word that imitates or suggests the natural sound it describes (e.g., “boom,” “tick-tock,” “buzz”).

Symbolism

Use of an object, color, character, or event to stand for a larger idea or concept (e.g., dove = peace, mockingjay = rebellion).