Literary Device Quiz

Absolute

A word free from limitations ("best", "all", "unique", "perfect")

Alliteration

The repetition of initial consonant sounds in successive or neighboring words

Allusion

A reference to something

Assonance

The repetition of initial vowel sounds in successive or neighboring words

Asyndeton

A construction in which elements are presented in a series WITHOUT conjuctions

Chiasmus

A statement consisting of two parallel parts in which the second part is structurally reversed (“Susan walked in, and out rushed Mary”)

Imagery

The use of figures of speech to create a vivid images that appeal to one of the senses

Metaphor

A direct comparison of two different things

Metonymy

Substituting the name of one object for another object closely associated with it (the pen [writing] is mightier than the sword [fighting]

Oxymoron

An expression in which two words that contradict are joined

Paradox

An apparently contradictory statement that actually contains some truth (Save money, by spending it)

Parallelism

The use of corresponding grammatical or syntactical forms

Polysyndeton

The use of more conjuctions than is necessary or natural

Simile

A comparison or two things using “like” or “as”

Synesthesia

Describing one kind of sensation in term of another (“bitter cold”, “loud shirt'“)

Ambiguity

When the structure or content of a statement is contradictory

Analogy

A comparison of two different things that are similar in some way

Anaphora

The repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of consecutive lines or sentences

Apostrophe

Directly addressing an absent or imaginary person

Conceit

A fanciful, clever extended metaphor

Connotation

The implied meaning of a word

Couplet

Rhyme pattern where one line rhymes with the following line

Denotation

The literal meaning of a word

Diction

The authors word choice

Enjambment

When a thought is carried over to another line without final punctuation

Euphemism

An indirect, less offensive way of saying something that is unpleasant

Extended metaphor

A metaphor that is extended for several lines

Figurative Language

Words, phrases, or sentences that go beyond their literal meaning

Hyperbole

Intentional exaggeration

Invective

Highly emotional, verbal attack

Inversion

When the writer changes the normal order of words

Irony

Using words to convey the opposite of the literal meaning

Juxtaposition

Placing two elements side by side to present a comparison of contrast

Litotes

A type of understatement where the idea is expressed by negating the opposite (“It was not a pretty picture”)

Motif

A standard theme

Onomatopoeia

A word formed from the imitation of natural sounds

Repetition

When words, phrases, or sentences are repeated

Rhetorical Question

A question not meant to be answered

Sarcasm

Harsh, cutting language intended to ridicule

Satire

The use of humor to emphasize human weakness or imperfection

Simile

A comparison using like or as

Sonnet

A 14 line poem with rhymes and patterns

Syllogism

A 3-part deductive argument that draws a conclusion from two premises

Synecdoche

Using one part of an object to represent the entire object

Syntax

The manner in which words are arranged into sentences in prose or lines

Theme

A central idea

Tone

The attitude of a writer

Understatement

Representation of something lesser than it actually is