Literary and Language Devices

Vocabulary flashcards covering key imagery, sound, structural, persuasive, and word-level literary devices from the lecture notes.

Simile

Comparing two things using "like" or "as".

Metaphor

Comparing two things by stating one is the other (not literal).

Personification

Giving human qualities, emotions, or actions to non-human things.

Symbolism

Using a concrete object, colour, or setting to represent a much bigger, abstract idea.

Alliteration

Repeating the same consonant sound at the start of closely connected words.

Sibilance

Repeating harsh "s", "sh", or "z" sounds to create a specific mood (often sinister, soft, or secretive).

Onomatopoeia

Words that phonetically imitate the actual sound they describe.

Assonance

Repeating identical or similar vowel sounds within nearby words.

Juxtaposition

Placing two starkly opposite things, characters, or settings close together to highlight their differences.

Extended Listing

Creating a long sequence of items, ideas, or adjectives to overwhelm the reader or emphasise scale.

Repetition

Intentionally repeating a specific word, phrase, or sentence structure to reinforce an idea or build rhythm.

Tricolon (Rule of Three)

A trio of parallel words, phrases, or clauses used together for a powerful, memorable impact.

Rhetorical Question

A question asked strictly for effect or emphasis, where the answer is already implied.

Emotive Adjectives

Descriptive words specifically chosen to trigger a strong, deliberate emotional response in the reader.

Imperative Verbs

Command words used to demand immediate action or deep reflection from the audience.

Hyperbole

A deliberate, extreme exaggeration used to make a point or inject drama, not meant to be taken literally.