Literary Devices

Metaphor

A figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as', suggesting a symbolic meaning.

Similie

A figure of speech that compares two unlike things using 'like' or 'as', highlighting similarities between them.

paradox

A statement that appears contradictory or self-refuting but reveals a deeper truth upon closer examination.

theme

The underlying message or central idea of a literary work, often reflecting on universal human experiences.

tone

The attitude or emotional quality conveyed by the author's choice of words and style in a literary work.

allusion

A brief reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary or political significance, often without detailed explanation.

alliteration

The repetition of the same initial consonant sounds in a sequence of words, often used to create rhythm or emphasize a particular phrase.

idiom

A phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the literal meanings of its individual words.

Motif

A recurring element or theme in a literary work, often used to reinforce the main ideas or messages.

Mood

The emotional atmosphere that a work of literature evokes in the reader, often established through descriptive language and tone.

Mood

The mood of a literary work refers to the pervasive emotional setting created by the author, influencing how the reader feels throughout the narrative.

Hyperbole

An exaggerated statement or claim not meant to be taken literally, used for emphasis or effect.

Pun

A form of word play that exploits multiple meanings of a term or similar-sounding words for humorous or rhetorical effect.

Assonance

A literary device that involves the repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words to create rhythm and enhance meaning.

allegory

A narrative that uses symbolic figures, events, and imagery to convey deeper moral or political meanings beyond the literal interpretation.

Monologue

A long speech by a single character in a play or literary work, often revealing their thoughts and feelings.

personification

A literary device that gives human traits and qualities to non-human entities, objects, or abstract concepts, enhancing their relatability and emotional impact.

irony

a contrast between expectation and reality, often highlighting human experiences.

symbolism

the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, conveying deeper meanings beyond the literal.

soliloquy

A dramatic monologue in which a character speaks their thoughts aloud, typically while alone, revealing inner emotions and motivations.

aside

a dramatic device in which a character speaks to the audience while other characters on stage are not aware, often revealing secrets or thoughts.

onomatopoeia

The formation of a word that phonetically imitates the sound it describes, often used to create a sound effect in literature.

oxymoron

A figure of speech that combines contradictory terms for effect, such as "deafening silence" or "bittersweet."

imagery

descriptive language that appeals to the senses, creating vivid pictures in the reader's mind.

foreshadowing

A literary device that hints or suggests events that will occur later in the story, creating suspense or preparing the reader for future developments.

charecterization

the process by which an author reveals the personality of a character through direct or indirect methods.

dramatic irony

a situation where the audience knows more about the events of a story than the characters do, leading to tension or humor.

verbal irony

A figure of speech where the intended meaning of a word is opposite to its literal meaning, often used for humor or emphasis.

situational irony

a discrepancy between what is expected to happen and what actually occurs, often resulting in an unexpected and humorous outcome.