Literary Devices

Idiom

An expression or phrase that has a particular meaning that is different from the meanings of each word on its own. Writers and speakers use idioms to add color, personality and depth to language.

Euphemism

A more mild or indirect word or expression that is used in place of another word or phrase that is considered harsh, blunt, vulgar or unpleasant.

Hyperbole

An exaggerated statement that’s not meant to be taken literally by the reader. It is often used for comedic effect and/or emphasis.

Metaphor

An expression that describes a person, object, idea, etc. by referring to something that is considered to have similar characteristics, without using the words ‘as’ or ‘like’.

Simile

A type of metaphor in which a person, object, idea, etc. zis compared figuratively to another thing using the words “as” or “like”.

Onomatopoeia

A word (or group of words) that represents a sound and actually resembles or imitates the sound it stands for. It is often used for dramatic, realistic, or poetic effect.

Personification

When a non-human figure or other abstract concept or element is described as having human-like qualities or characteristics.

Irony (three types)

1. Verbal irony

   • When the literal meaning of what someone says is different from — and often opposite to — what they actually mean.

2. Situational irony

   • When something happens that is the opposite of what was expected or intended to happen.

3. Dramatic irony

   • When the audience/reader has more information about something than the characters do.

Oxymoron

A combination of two words that, together, express a contradictory meaning. This device is often used for emphasis or humour.

Allusion

When an author makes a (indirect) reference to a figure, place, event, or idea originating from outside the text. Many allusions make a reference to previous works of literature or art.

Alliteration

The repetition of the same consonant (medeklinker) sound at the beginning of words in a phrase or sentence. It is often used to give more stress to those words.

Assonance

The repetition of the same vowel (klinker) sound in words that form a phrase or sentence. It is often used in the middle of words or in stressed syllables.