IB English Literature HL Literary Devices

Alliteration

The repetition of similar initial consonant sounds.

Allegory

narrative (usually poetry or prose) characters/events/setting represent deeper truths (hidden or more profound) usually deals with religious, political, or personal issues.

Allusion

A brief, indirect reference to a historical or literary person, event, or object. The writer assumes that the reader will recognize the reference and superimpose the ideas and meaning associated with the current context.

Ambiguity

A word, phrase, or statement which contains more than one meaning.

Antagonist

Opposes the protagonist.

Anthropomorphism

Writer ascribes human traits, ambitions, emotions, or entire behavior to animals, non-human beings, natural phenomena or objects.

Antihero

A prominent character in a play or book that has characteristics opposite to that of a conventional hero.

Archetype

A typical character, an action, or a situation that seems to represent such universal patterns of human nature.

Assonance

The repetition of similar stressed vowel sounds.

Chronology

Order of events.

Conflict

A struggle between two opposing forces, usually a protagonist and an antagonist.

Connotation

A meaning that is implied by a word apart from the thing which it describes explicitly.

Consonance

The repetition of similar final consonant sounds.

Denotation

Literal or dictionary meanings of a word in contrast to its connotative or associated meanings.

Dialect

The language used by the people of a specific area , class, district, or any other group of people.

Diction

The style of speaking or writing determined by the choice of words by a speaker or writer.

Epiphany

The moment in a story where a character achieves realization, awareness, or a feeling of knowledge after which events are seen through the prism of this new light in the story.

Euphemism

The use of inoffensive, mild, or vague words in place of harsher, more blunt ones. Often used to reduce the risk of offending or upsetting people.

Foil

A character who is meant to represent characteristics, values, ideas, etc. which are directly and diametrically opposed to those of another character, usually the protagonist.

Hyperbole

Deliberate exaggeration in order to emphasize a fact or feeling. It can be used to create either a comedic or serious effect.

Imagery

Descriptions and figures of speech used to help the mind form forceful or beautiful pictures.

Irony

Reveals concealed or contradictory meanings.

A. Verbal: contrast is evident between what a character says/means.

B. Dramatic: the author shares with the reader information not known by a character.

C. Situational: a set of circumstances turns out differently from what is expected/considered appropriate.

Juxtaposition

Two or more ideas, places, characters, or actions are placed side by side in a narrative or poem for the purpose of comparisons and contrasts.

Metaphor

An implied comparison between two different things, which does not use the words like or as in the comparison.

Mood

Evokes certain feelings or vibes in READERS through words and descriptions.

Motif

A reoccurring subject, idea, etc., especially in a literary, artistic, or musical work.

Motivation

The reason behind a character's specific actions or behaviors.

Oxymoron

Two opposite ideas that are joined to create an effect.

Paradox

Where a situation is created which cannot possibly exist, because different elements of it cancel each other out.

Parallel structure

Two or more clauses, phrases, or words with similar grammatical form and length.

Personification

A special form of metaphor in which human characteristics are attributed to animals, inanimate objects, or ideas.

Point of view

The mode of narration that an author employs.

Protagonist

The central character.

Repetition

The author repeats the same words/phrases several times to make an idea clearer.

Satire

Exposes and criticizes foolishness/corruption of an individual or society by using humor, irony, ridicule, or exaggeration.

Setting

The time and place when and where a story takes place.

Simile

Makes a comparison, showing similarities between two things, using "like" or "as".

Structure

Plot, setting, and the style of writing.

Symbolism

The use of symbols that stand for or represent something else. Characters, objects, events, and setting can all be symbolic. Can be universal or vested.

Syntax

The set of rules in language. It dictates how words from different parts of speech are put together in order to convey a complete thought.

Theme

The central idea of a story, usually implied rather than directly stated. Should not be confused with moral or plot.

Tone

The attitude of the author toward his/her subject.

Atmosphere

The pervading feeling created by the story. Sets up expectations in the reader about the outcome of an episode or plot. Dialogue and narration create it, through descriptive diction/imagery.