Literary Devices

From Literary Device notes

Allegory

Work of art or writing that usually contains symbolism or a paralleling, deeper meaning to aspects of the writing (Character, plot, etc.)

Allusion

A reference to an outside source that isn’t specified or named

Ambiguity

Unclear or indefinite phrase or words that can be understood in multiple ways

Analogy

Creating comparison between two seemingly different things in a like way (i.e. - quiet is to mouse as loud is to lion)

Analysis

Deeper interpretation of language, perspective, characters, context, and other structures of the text

Anecdote

a short story (usually a personal experience) that is significant to the author or the topic

Antithesis

Paralleling opposite ideas, statements, or things (e.i - the antithesis of wet is dry)

Aphorism

a message of general truth (often concise or humorous)

Archetype

Character created based on already created stereotypes or traits (e.i - jock, nerd, hero, villain, etc)

Assonance

Vowel sounds repeating in a sentence or phrase

Cacophony

A harsh mixture of sounds or words

Euphany

A mix of harmonious sounds or words

Caricature

Exaggerated characteristics for a comedic or grotesque effect

Cliche

Overused/Predictable expressions (sometimes denotes old fashioned thinking)

Connotation

Implication (e.i - Childish compared to Childlike)

Dialogue

Verbal exchange between characters

Diction

Word choice (e.i - Abstract, concrete, poetic, etc)

Dissonance

Repetitive use of harsh sounding words, sounds or phrases

Epiphany

Sudden realization or revelation that changes course of thinking or point of view on something (e.i - The Lorax, The Truman Show, etc.)

Euphamism

Sugarcoating of a phrase/ indirect way of using figurative language to soften the blunt of a direct statement)

Evidence

Proof, citations, quotes

Exposition

Conveys background information (Characters, plot, setting, etc.)

Figurative Language

Any wording or language that isn’t literal

Flashback

Remembering of a past event before the current point of the story (Builds suspense and context)

Juxtaposition

Implies comparison or contrast to make a dramatic or ironic effect

Line of Reasoning

CER (ERERER…)

Metonomy

A word replaced by a word that is more abstract (e.i - we will swear loyalty to the CROWN)

Mood

Emotional tone that the READER FEELS

Motif

Recurring element or idea that helps build central ideas

Non Sequitur

Something that has nothing to do with what was said previously

Nuance

Very subtle changes in issues, meanings, or descriptions

Oxymoron

2 opposite things put together to project an effect (HAS TO BE TWO WORDS) (e.i - Jumbo shrimp, pretty ugly, etc)

Paradox

Contradicts itself but holds some truth/theme (involves juxtaposition)

Parallelism

Components of a sentence with the same grammatical structure (repeating)

Personification

To give inanimate objects human-like features/characteristics

Shift

shift/move of tone, style, focus, etc

Soliloquy

A solitary speech popular in plays (e.i - Merrick’s soliloquy in Elephant Man)

Stream of Consciousness

Natural flow of thoughts and words (Usually just rough ideas mushed together in a puddle)

Syntax

Structure of wording