Stylistic Devices

annotation

A brief explanation, summary, or evaluation of a text or work of literature.

Denotation

the literal meaning of a word

Charaterization

The process by which an author creates, introduces, and develops a fictional person

symbolism

A device in literature where an object represents an idea.

idiom

A common, often used expression that doesn't make sense if you take it literally.

rhetorical question

A question asked merely for rhetorical effect and not requiring an answer

Anaphora

repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, or lines

dialogue

Conversation between two or more characters

interior monologue

a piece of writing expressing a character's inner thoughts

Juxtaposition

Placement of two things closely together to emphasize comparisons or contrasts

satire

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

flashback

A method of narration in which present action is temporarily interrupted so that the reader can witness past events

Allegory

A literary work in which characters, objects, or actions represent abstractions

Anology

Comparison made between two things to show how they are alike

Litotes

A figure of speech consisting of an understatement in which an affirmative is expressed by negating its opposite.

Archetype

a very typical example of a certain person or thing

Paradox

a statement that seems contradictory but is actually true

Foreshadowing

the use of hints and clues to suggest what will happen later in a plot

Dialect

a particular form of a language that is peculiar to a specific region or social group.

Rhetoric

the art of using language effectively and persuasively

Hypophora

raising a question then proceeding to answer it

Ethos

beliefs or character of a group

Pathos

Appeal to emotion

Logos

Appeal to logic

Euphemism

An indirect, less offensive way of saying something that is considered unpleasant

Mood

Feeling or atmosphere that a writer creates for the reader

Imagery

Description that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste)

Allusion

A reference to another work of literature, person, or event

Narration

writing that tells a story

Parody

a work which imitates another in a ridiculous manner

situational irony

An outcome that turns out to be very different from what was expected

dramatic irony

when a reader is aware of something that a character isn't

verbal irony

A figure of speech in which what is said is the opposite of what is meant