Lang

Symbolism

Using something to represent a bigger idea or meaning.

Characterisation

How an author shows what a character is like through their actions, words, thoughts, and appearance

Allegory

A story where the characters and events represent deeper ideas, often about politics or society.

Metaphor

Comparing two things without using “like” or “as.”

Tone

The authors attitude towards subject or story

Mood

The feeling the reader gets from a story

Simile

Comparing two things using “like” or “as.”

Imagery

Descriptive words that help you imagine something using your senses.

Irony

When what is said or expected is different from what actually happens.

Allusion

A short reference to a famous person, place, event, or work.

Hyperbole

A huge exaggeration that isn’t meant to be taken literally.

Personification

Giving human qualities to an object, animal, or idea.

Onomatopoeia

A word that sounds like the noise it describes.

Alliteration

Repeating the same beginning sound in nearby words.

Assonance

Repeating vowel sounds in nearby words.

Connotation

The feelings or ideas connected to a word beyond its literal meaning.

Denotation

The literal, dictionary meaning of a word.

Oxymoron

Two opposite words placed together.

Paradox

A statement that seems impossible or contradictory but can still be true.

Motif

An element, symbol, or idea that keeps appearing in a story.

Foreshadowing

Hints or clues about what will happen later.

Anecdote

A short personal story used to make a point.

Cliche

An expression that has been used so much that it has become unoriginal.

Satire

Using humor or exaggeration to criticize people or society.

Juxtaposition

Putting two very different things close together to show their differences.

Pathos

Using emotions to make an audience feel sympathy or sadness.

Epiphany

A sudden moment when a character understands or realizes something important.

Euphemism

A nicer or less direct way to say something unpleasant.

Diction

The specific words an author chooses to use.

Ambiguity

When something can have more than one meaning or interpretation.

Syntax

The way words are arranged in a sentence.

Ethos

Persuading people by showing credibility or trustworthiness.

Logos

Persuading people using facts, evidence, or logic.

Anaphora

Repeating a word or phrase at the beginning of sentences or clauses.

Antithesis

Putting opposite ideas together to create contrast.

Parody

Copying another work or style in a funny or mocking way.

Anachronism

Something that is from the wrong time period.

Idiom

A phrase whose meaning is different from its literal meaning.