Lit terms

Synecdoche: a figure of speech where a part of something is used to represent the whole, or the whole is used to represent a part

Metonymy: 

Metonymy is a figure of speech in which one object or idea takes the place of another with which it has a close association. In fact, metonymy means “change of name.” As a literary device, it is a way of replacing an object or idea with something related to it instead of stating what is actually meant. Metonymy enables writers to express a word or thought in a different way by using a closely related word or thought. Therefore, this is a method for writers to vary their expression and produce an effect for the reader.

Silver screen is an excellent use of metonymy. 

Euphemism:

Euphemism is a figure of speech commonly used to replace a word or phrase that is related to a concept that might make others uncomfortable. Euphemism refers to figurative language designed to replace phrasing that would otherwise be considered harsh, impolite, or unpleasant. This literary device allows for someone to say what they mean indirectly, without using literal language, as a way of softening the impact of what is being said. The reason for this would be for the sake of politeness, discretion, and other means of mitigating communication. Euphemisms are used for certain abstractions such as death, sex, aging, getting fired, bodily functions, and others.

Idiom:

An idiom is a saying or expression that is widely used among speakers of a certain language and whose figurative meaning is different from its literal meaning. Idioms are found in nearly all languages and cultures, which can make them difficult to understand for non-native speakers as they are unique to their language of origin. This is because the meaning of an idiom doesn’t rely on the literal definition of its words, but rather the figurative context of how the words are used.

Idioms often summarize or reflect cultural experiences that are commonly held, even if the experience is antiquated. In other words, the origin of many idioms is a common occurrence from the past which resulted in a phrase that has continued to be used, though the literal meaning is out of date.

For example, a common idiom found in the English language is “off the hook.” 

Motif: .In works of art, a motif is an important and noticeable element or feature that typically appears throughout the work. 

Dramatic Foil:

Foil is a literary device designed to illustrate or reveal information, traits, values, or motivations of one character through the comparison and contrast of another character. A literary foil character serves the purpose of drawing attention to the qualities of another character, frequently the protagonist. This is effective as a means of developing a deeper understanding of a character by emphasizing their strengths and weaknesses. In addition, a literary foil allows writers to create a counterpart for the protagonist that puts their actions and choices in context.

Cacophony:

If we speak literally, cacophony points to a situation in which there is a mixture of harsh and inharmonious sounds. In literature, however, the term refers to the use of words with sharp, harsh, hissing, and unmelodious sounds – primarily those of consonants – to achieve desired results.

Euphony:

The literary device euphony is derived from the Greek word euphonos, which means “sweet-voiced.” It can be defined as the use of words and phrases that are distinguished as having a wide range of noteworthy melody or loveliness in the sounds they create. It gives pleasing and soothing effects to the ear due to repeated vowels and smooth consonants. It can be used with other literary devices like alliteration, assonance and rhyme to create more melodic effects. Examples of euphony are commonly found in poetry and literary prose.

Allegory: As a literary device or artistic form, an allegory is any narrative or visual work of art intended as symbolism for moral or political ideas.

Sibilance:

Sibilance is a literary device where strongly stressed consonants are created deliberately by producing air from vocal tracts through the use of lips and tongue. Such consonants produce hissing sounds. However, in poetry, it is used as a stylistic device, and sibilants are used more than twice in quick succession. Most of the times, the “s” sound is the sibilant. Sibilance and allusion are very closely related, but they are NOT the same thing.