ENG4U Literary Devices

Diction

An author's choice of particular words, phrases, figurative language, allusions, etc. in respect to their purpose

Mood

The atmosphere of the story as experienced by the reader.

Theme

The author's message in a literary work.

Tone

The writer's attitude or intellectual position towards their audience

Anaphora

Repetition of groups of words.

Reductio Ad Absurdum

Taking an argument to its logical conclusion to an absurd degree.

Analogy

A comparison of two things which are alike in several respects.

Aphorism

A short observation that is philosophical.

Anti Climax

Arranging words and phrases in descending order of importance.

Climax

Arranging words and phrases in ascending order of importance.

Anastrophe

Placing an important idea in a specific spot in order to catch the attention of the reader.

Chiasmus

The cross arrangement in two successive groups of words.

Dramatic Irony

When the audience is aware of something that the characters in the story are not aware of.