Literary Devices Vocabulary

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards detailing literary devices, their definitions, and illustrative examples directly from the lecture notes.

Allegory

A story with a hidden meaning that represents another event or idea. Example: Animal Farm represents the Russian Revolution.

Alliteration

Repetition of the same beginning sound. Example: "Sally sells seashells."

Allusion

A reference to a famous person, event, place, or text. Example: "He's a real Romeo."

Connotation

The feelings or ideas a word suggests beyond its literal meaning. Example: "Cheap" can have a negative connotation, while "affordable" is more positive.

Diction

An author's choice of words and the effect those words create. Example: Using formal words creates a serious tone.

Euphemism

A softer or less harsh way of saying something. Example: "Passed away" instead of "died."

Parody

Definition: An imitation of a work or style meant to mock or make fun of it. Example: A funny version of a serious movie

Foreshadowing

Hints or clues about what will happen later. Example: A character sees a warning sign before something bad happens.

Hyperbole

Extreme exaggeration that isn't meant to be taken literally. Example: "I've told you a million times."

Imagery

Descriptive language that appeals to the five senses. Example: "The warm, buttery bread smelled amazing."

Irony

When what happens or is said is different from what is expected. Example: A fire station catches on fire.

Metaphor

Comparing two things without using "like" or "as." Example: "Time is a thief."

Motif

A recurring symbol, idea, image, or pattern in a work. Example: Repeated images of darkness representing fear.

Onomatopoeia

A word that imitates a sound. Example: "Boom!" or "Crash!"

Oxymoron

Two contradictory words placed together. Example: "Deafening silence."

Paradox

A seemingly contradictory statement that can contain a truth. Example: "Less is more."

Personification

Giving human qualities to something nonhuman. Example: "The wind whispered through the trees."

Point of View

The perspective from which a story is told. Example: First person: "I walked home."

Satire

Using humor, exaggeration, or irony to criticize flaws in society or people. Example: A comedy that makes fun of politicians.

Simile

Comparing two things using "like" or "as." Example: "She runs like the wind."

Symbol

Something that represents a deeper meaning or idea. Example: A dove can symbolize peace.

Tone

The author's attitude toward the subject or audience. Example: A writer's sarcastic tone shows they are mocking something.