english 12 literary devices and figures of speech

similie

a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two seemingly inlike things by using a connective word such as like, than, or resmbles.

hyperbole

a figure of speech that uses exaggeration to express strong emotion or create a comic effect.

octave

an eight line stanza or poem or the first eight lines of an Italian or Petrarchan sonnet, with the rhyme scheme abbaabba. Usually presents a problem, poses a question, or expresses an idea.

metaphor

a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two seemingly unlike things without using a connective word such as like, as, than, or resembles

satire

a kind of writing that ridicules human weaknesses, vice, or folly in order to bring about social reform.

sestet

six line stanza or poem with the rhyme scheme cdecde or cdcdcd. resolves, answers, or drives home the problem.

personification

a kind of metaphor in which a nonhuman or nonliving thing or quality is talked about as if it were human or had life.

foreshadowing

the use of clues to hint at what is going to happen later in the story

iambic pantameter

a rhythmic pattern consisting of five feet, each foot containing one unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable.

allusion

a reference to another literary work, historical event, or figure that enriches the text.

quatrain

four line stanza or poem or a group of four lines unified by a rhyme scheme.

dramatic monologue

a poem or speech in which a single character speaks to a silent audience, revealing their thoughts and emotions.

alliteration

the repetition of initial consonant sounds in closely positioned words, creating rhythm and emphasis.