Figurative Language/Literary Terms

Alliteration

The repetion of the same sound or letter at the beginning of words in a phrase or sentence.

Allusion

A brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance.

Analogy

A comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification, highlighting similarities in their structure or function.

Antagonist

A character or force in a story that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict and driving the narrative.

Apostrophe

A figure of speech in which a speaker directly addresses an absent person, an abstract idea, or a thing, as if it were present and capable of response.

Assonance

The repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words in a sentence or phrase, often used to create rhythm and enhance musicality in poetry.

Connotation

The emotional or cultural association a word carrier, beyond its literal definition.

Denotation

The literal or dictionary definition of a word.

Dialect

The language used by the people of a specific area, class, or group, often including unique vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.

Diction

The choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing, which can convey tone, style, and meaning.

Extended Metaphor

A metaphor that is developed over several lines or throughout an entire literary work. Unlike a regular metaphor, it continues the comparison in multiple ways.

Foil

A character who contrasts with another character, usually the protagonist, to highlight particular qualities or traits.

Foreshadowing

A literary device in which a writer gives an advance hint of what is to come later in the story.

Hyperbole

Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally, used for emphasis or effect.

Imagery

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses and creates vivid mental images for the reader.

Indirect Characterization

The process by which an author reveals a character's personality through their actions, thoughts, dialogue, and interactions with others, rather than through explicit descriptions.

Irony

A contrast or incongruity between expectations and reality.

Juxtapostion

The placement of two or more ideas, characters, or themes side by side in a narrative to highlight their differences or similarities, often to create a contrasting effect.

Metaphor

A figure of speech that compares two unlike things directly, implying that one is the other to illustrate a point or create a vivid image.

Motif

A recurring element, idea, or image in a work of literature.

Paradox

A statement that appears contradictory or self-refuting but may reveal a deeper truth upon reflection.

Personification

Giving human qualities or actions to inanimate objects or animals.

Protagonist

The main character in a story.

Pun

A play on words that have a similar sound but different meanings.

Repetition

The repeating of a word, phrase, or sentence for emphasis or to create a rhyme.

Satire

The use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people’s stupidity or vices.

Simile

A figure of speech that compares two different things using the words "like" or "as".

Symbolism

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, conveying deeper meanings beyond the literal sense.

Syntax

The way words are arranged to form sentences and phrases.

Theme

The central idea or message in a literary work, often reflecting on human experience and offering insight into life.

Tone

The writer's attitude toward the subject or audience, conveyed through word choice and style.