Common Literary Devices

A set of flashcards defining common literary devices as described in the lecture notes.

Alliteration

Repetition of the same letter or sound at the beginning of closely connected words for effect

Allusion

An indirect reference to a well-known figure, event, or work of art

Analogy

A comparison between two things to explain a similarity

Foreshadowing

Hinting at future events in a story to create suspense

Hyperbole

Exaggeration for emphasis or effect

Imagery

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses

Irony

A contrast between expectation and reality, often humorous or poignant

Metaphor

A direct comparison between two unrelated things

Motif

A recurring element with symbolic meaning

Onomatopoeia

Words that imitate natural sounds

Oxymoron

Combining contradictory terms for poetic effect

Paradox

A seemingly contradictory statement that reveals a deeper truth

Personification

Attributing human qualities to inanimate objects or abstract ideas

Simile

A comparison using like or as

Symbolism

Using an object or element to represent an abstract idea