literary terms [AP LIT]: Figurative Language / Figures of Speech

allusion

reference in a work of literature to something outside the work, especially to a well-known historical or literary event, person, biblical reference, artwork, or music

Ambiguity

technique by which a writer deliberately suggests two or more different, and sometimes conflicting, meanings

hyperbole

a deliberate, extravagant, and often outrageous exaggeration. Ex: The shot heard round the world

imagery

sensory details of a work. Ex: The amber-yellow leaves rustled in the breeze

visual

(type of imagery) descriptions of images that can be seen. Ex: The golden-hued sunset.

auditory

(type of imagery) descriptions that can be heard Ex: The howling cat hissed at the dog.

tactile

(type of imagery) descriptions of the texture or touch of something Ex: The air was like moist, black velvet.

kinesthetic

(type of imagery) descriptions of motion or movement. Ex: The leaves fluttered and waved in the breeze

olfactory

(type of imagery) descriptions of smells Ex: The fragrant, sweet aroma of the flowers filled the air.

gustatory

(type of imagery) descriptions of tastes Ex: The hot chili salsa burned his tongue with spicy peppers.

metaphor

 a comparison of two things or ideas where one becomes the other.  Often introduced by “is.” Ex: Time is money.

Extended Metaphor (Controlling Image)

a type of metaphor developed using several words or phrases on the same subject as a comparison. Ex: “There is a tide in the affairs of men/ Taken at the flood”

oxymoron

a form of paradox that combines a pair of opposite terms into a single unusual expression. Ex “sweet sorrow” or “bittersweet” “cold fire” “happy dagger”

paradox

statement that appears contradictory at first, but actually presents a truism. Ex: "Cowards die many times before their deaths." 

personification

giving human characteristics to inanimate objects or abstract ideas. Ex: “The wind cried in the dark.”

simile

a comparison of two different things or ideas through the use of the words like, as, or resembles. Ex: “The warrior fought like a lion.”