AP LIT Literary Devices and Narrative Techniques

What is a metaphor?

A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things by stating one is the other.

What is diction in literature?

The choice of words and style of expression that an author uses in writing.

What is imagery?

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses and creates visual representations in the reader's mind.

What is zeugma?

A figure of speech in which a word applies to multiple parts of the sentence, often in different senses, creates surprise/humor. "I held her hand and my toungue"

What is anthropomorphism?

The attribution of human traits, emotions, or intentions to non-human entities.

What is rhyme?

The repetition of similar sounds in two or more words, often used in poetry.

What is colloquialism?

Informal language or expressions that are specific to a particular region or group.

What is a euphemism?

A mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt. "passed away"

What is allusion?

An indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance.

What is onomatopoeia?

A word that phonetically imitates, resembles, or suggests the sound that it describes.

What is conceit in literature?

An extended metaphor that makes a surprising connection between two seemingly dissimilar things.

What is cacophony?

A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds, often used to create a jarring effect.

What is apostrophe in literature?

A figure of speech in which the speaker addresses an absent person, an abstract idea, or a thing. (schizophrenia) "Twinkle, twinkle, little star, How I wonder what you are!"

What is form in literature?

The structure or organization of a literary work, including its genre and style.

What is point of view?

The perspective from which a story is narrated, influencing how the reader perceives the events.

What is parallelism?

The use of similar grammatical structures in a series of phrases or sentences.

What is characterization?

The process by which an author reveals the personality and traits of a character.

What is an oxymoron?

A figure of speech in which contradictory terms appear in conjunction. "Jumbo shrimp", "Deafening silence"

What is a paradox?

A statement that appears self-contradictory but may reveal a deeper truth. basically a longer oxymoron. "Less is more."

What is juxtaposition?

The placement of two or more ideas, characters, or settings side by side for comparison. i.e. rich and poor in Gatsby.

What is irony?

A literary device where the intended meaning is opposite to the literal meaning. "A fire station burns down."

What is satire?

A genre that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or mock societal issues. "Animal Farm"

What is metonymy?

A figure of speech in which one word or phrase is substituted for another with which it is closely associated. "The White House stated today that..."

What is synecdoche?

A figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole or vice versa. "wheels for car"

What is personification?

Attributing human characteristics to non-human entities or inanimate objects.

What is a simile?

A figure of speech comparing two unlike things using 'like' or 'as'.

What is hyperbole?

An exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally. "i've told you a million times"

What is alliteration?

The repetition of the same initial consonant sounds in a sequence of words. "peter piper picked a peck of pickled peppers"

What is sibilance?

A literary device characterized by a hissing sound created by the repetition of 's' or 'sh' sounds. "the silent snake slithered slowly"

What is foreshadowing?

A literary device used to give an indication or hint of what is to come later in the story.

What is assonance?

The repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words. "hear the mellow wedding bells."

What is tone in literature?

The author's attitude toward the subject or audience, conveyed through word choice and style.

What is a third-person omniscient narrator?

A narrative perspective where the narrator knows all the thoughts and feelings of every character.

What is a third-person limited omniscient narrator?

A narrative perspective where the narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of only one character.

What is a third-person narrator?

A narrative perspective where the narrator is outside the story and refers to characters as 'he,' 'she,' or 'they'.

What is a second-person narrator?

A narrative perspective that addresses the reader as 'you,' making them a character in the story.

What is a first-person narrator?

A narrative perspective where the story is told from the viewpoint of a character using 'I' or 'we'.

What is stream of consciousness?

A narrative technique that presents thoughts and feelings as they occur in a continuous flow.