literary devices, diction, mood, tone

symbolism

a device that uses symbols-be they words, people, objects, colors, locations, or abstract ideas to represent something beyond the literal meaning.

motif

an object, image, sound, or phrase that is repeated throughout a story to point towards the story’s larger theme.

imagery

usually descriptive or figurative language, especially in a literary work.

metaphor

a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable-something regarded as representative or symbolic of something else.

simile

a figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind using like or as.

personification

the attribution of a personal nature or human characteristics do something non-human, or the representation of an abstract quality in human form.

zoomorphism

a technique in which animal attributes are imposed upon non-animal objects, humans, and events and animal features are ascribed to humans, gods, and other objects.

hyperbole

exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally

juxtaposition

occurs when two things are placed side by side for comparison, often to highlight the contrast between the elements.

paradox

a seemingly absurd or contradictory statement or proposition which when investigated could be true.

oxymoron

a self contradicting word or group of words-two or more words that seem to be opposite to each other, or actually are opposite.

irony

a device for converting meaning by saying the exact opposite of what is really meant.

allusion

an object or circumstance from enervated context is referred to covertly or indirectly. it is left to the audience to make the direct connection

foreshadowing

an indication of something that will happen in the future, often used as a literary device to hint at or allude to the future plot developments

allegory

a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning typically a moral or political one.

colloquialism

utilizes informal words, phrases, or slang. these are typically words or phrases that are only used under certain condition such as specific region or demographics of the speaker

euphemism

a soft and offensive word or phrase that replaces a harsh, unpleasant, or hurtful one for the sake of sympathy.

idiom

certain words are combined which is different than their literal definition. “its a saying we have”

onomatopoeia

the formation of the word from a sound associated with what is named.

denotation

literal meaning of the word, in contrast to the feeling or idea the word suggests. direct meaning instead of implied meaning

connotation

an idea or feeling union a word invokes for a person in addition to its literal or primary meaning-can be positive of negative