Literary Devices

Allusion

A reference to another literary work, often the Bible.

Diction

The author's particular word choice.

Foil

A literary device designed to illustrate or reveal information, traits, values, or motivations of one character through the comparison and contrast of another character.

Foreshadowing

A means to indicate or hint to readers something that is to follow or appear later in a text.

Hyperbole

A purposeful exaggeration.

Visual Imagery

Sight

Auditory Imagery

Hearing

Olfactory Imagery

Smell

Gustatory Imagery

Taste

Tactile Imagery

Touch

Kinesthetic Imagery

Movement

Irony

A contrast between what is expected and reality.

Juxtaposition

An intentional comparison or contrast in language that emerges when words or ideas are placed side by side. example: a sad smile

Metaphor

A comparison between two non-similar things or ideas that asserts that they are the same, without using the words "like" or "as".

Mood

The emotional response that the writer wishes to evoke in the reader through a text.

Non-linear narrative

A plot that is not told in sequential order.

Onomatopoeia

a word that sounds like what it refers to or describes

Paradox

a statement that appears at first to be contradictory, but then upon reflection makes sense

Personification

giving human characteristics to something non-human; a representation of an abstract idea with human qualities

Repitition

using the same words or phrases more than once

Simile

a comparison of two dissimilar things using the words "like" or "as"; this is a specific type of metaphor

Symbol

something that stands for or suggests something else; it represents something beyond literal meaning

Synesthesia

when one sense (such as hearing) is described with another sense (such as sight) for example: The siren blared red.

Tone

a literary device that reflects the writer's attitude toward the subject matter or audience of a literary work