Authorial Choices & Figurative Language

Alliteration

A series of words or phrases that all start with the same sound. Typically consonants

Allusion

When the author makes a direct reference to something inside of their work, usually a historical reference to another famous work

Anachronism

Intentional error in the chronology or timeline of a text. Like when technology or slang appear in the text before the time period that they were invented

Colloquialism

Use of informal language and slang to make the characters talk more realistically

Euphemism

More mild or indirect word choice as opposed to stating something more bluntly or directly (ex. downsizing)

Foreshadowing

when an author indirectly hints at upcoming events through current dialogue/description

Hyperbole

Exaggerated statement that is not meant to be taken literally

Imagery

when an author describes a scene, thing, or idea so that it appeals to the senses

Irony

the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.

Verbal irony

when someone says one thing but means the opposite

Situational irony

when something happens that is the opposite of what is expected to happen or intended to happen

Dramatic irony

when the audience is aware of the true intentions or outcomes, while the characters are not

Cosmic Irony

A type of situational irony dealing with the perception that gods or fate toys with aspirations and deeds

Juxtaposition

two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect.

Metaphor

A direct comparison of two unlike things by identification or substitution

Simile

comparison using “like” or “as”

Metonymy

When a related word or phrase is substituted for the actual thing to which it’s referring (ie. the crown)

Onomatopoeia

A word or group of words that represents a sound

Oxymoron

A combination of two contradictory words that illustrates a paradox

Paradox

A statement that appears illogical or self-contradictory, but upon investigation, might prove to be true or plausible

Personification

When a nonhuman object is compared to have human-like characteristics

Symbolism

An object, figure, event, situation, or an idea that represents something else in the context of a written work

Synecdoche

part of something is used to represent a whole, or vice versa (ex. I need a hand)

Apostrophe

addressing a person or personified object not present (ex. Little Lamb, who made thee?)

Anthropomorphism

ascribing human emotions and characteristics to animals or inanimate objects.

Litotes

Understatement for effect (ex. he’s not the cleanest person)

anecdote

a short, personal story used to illustrate a point or make a concept more relatable. It is often used in writing or speeches to provide examples or add interest to the content.