Literary Devices

Alliteration

The repetition of the same initial consonants of words or of stressed syllables in any sequence of neighboring words

Allusion

An indirect or passing reference to an event, person, place, or artistic work

Antithesis

A device used to create contrast by placing two parallel but opposite ideas in a sentence

Imagery

Visually descriptive or figurative language

Irony

The expression of one’s meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite of what the writer intends to achieve a humorous effect or to add emphasis

Oxymoron

A figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction

Analogy

Comparing two things or instances in time often based on their structure and used to explain a complex idea in simpler terms

Conceit

A fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects

Dramatic Irony

Occurs when the audience or reader knows more than the characters know

Epiphany

Sudden enlightenment or realization, a profound new outlook or understanding about the world usually attained while doing everyday mundane activities

Foil Character

A character that by contrast underscores or enhances the distinctive characteristics of another

Paradox

Statement which seems to contradict itself