AP Lang Literary Devices

Diction

Word choice

Syntax

Sentence structure

Pacing

Speed a piece is read at

Parallelism

Similar structure in related words, phrases, or clauses

Example: “We’ve seen the unfurling of flags, the lighting of candles, the giving of blood”

Repetition

Duplication of any element of language

Anaphora

Repetition of the same word(s) at the beginning of successive phrases

Epistrophe

Repetition of the same word(s) at the end of successive phrases

Contrast/Juxtaposition/Paradox

Discussing similarities/differences of two things to illustrate purpose

Connotation

Non-literal associative meaning of a word (emotion; connects to diction)

Denotation

Strict/literal definition of a word (no emotion)

Climax

Arrangement of words in order of increasing importance

Analogy

Similarity/comparison between two things to highlight their relationship or explain something unfamiliar

Asyndeton

Deliberate omission of conjugation between a series of words for rhythm and emphasis

Ex: I came, I saw, I conquered

Polysyndeton

Deliberate use of many conjugations

Ex: We lived and laughed and loved and left

Alliteration

Repetition of initial consonants in adjacent words

Cyclical Plot

When the beginning of a piece repeat at the end

Loose Sentence

Begins with a main clause and followed by phrases that modify the main clause

Ex: The elephants proceeded on their walk, pounding the dirt, and swinging their trunks.

Periodic Sentence

Has the main clause at the end for emphasis/persuasion

Ex: In spite of heavy snow and cold temperatures, the game continued.

Anecdote

Short and interesting story

Narrative

Telling a story

Imagery

Details that help a reader connect to a piece (figurative language)

Symbolism

Represents itself and stands for something else (concrete or abstract)

Metaphor

Implied comparison between two things

Extended Metaphor/Conceit

A metaphor developed at great length throughout a work

Simile

Explicit comparison using like or as

Personification

Giving human qualities to inanimate objects

Hyperbole

Use of exaggerated terms for emphasis

Litotes

Deliberate use of understatement

Rhetorical Question

Asking a question to assert/deny an answer implicitly

Allusion

Reference to something commonly known

Irony

Contrast between what’s explicitly stated and what’s actually meant (used for humor)

Satire

Work that targets human/social issues for reform or ridicule

Euphemism

More agreeable/less offensive substitute for unpleasant topics

Colloquialism

Use of slang in writing (informal tone)

Exigence

The urgency a piece is written at/a speech is given at

Rhetoric

Using language to construct meaning

Rhetorical Device

Anything a speaker does to construct meaning

Rhetorical Strategy

Anything a writer does to construct writing

Purpose

What the audience is supposed to understand and do after reading