LIterary+Terms

Literary device

__** Methods of Comparison__


 * S**imile – a comparison of two unlike things using like, as (or than)

Metaphor – a comparison of two unlike things without using like or as

Personification – similar to anthropomorphize, giving non-human objects, human like qualities

Hyperbole – exaggeration for effect.

Understatement – to reduce the effect of a statement – less than expected.

Irony – the opposite of what is expected.

Symbolism – a concrete object that represents/stands in for something abstract/bigger.

__Methods of Description and Plot__

Characterization – the persons (and their traits) in a story, play, poem, myth Setting – the time and location of a story, play, poem, myth Dialogue – when the characters speak to one another Imagery – words that evoke a picture in your mind, involving the senses Mood/atmosphere/tone – the emotional/mental state in which the story, play, poem, myth puts you in Foreshadowing – a method by which the author plants information about a future event – through prophecy, or fate Flashback - a method by which the author plants information about a past event

__The way the Words Sound__

Onomatopoeia – the way the word sounds is the same as its spelling. Rhythm – the flow, musicality and ups and downs of the language. Rhyme – when final syllables are the same Alliteration – when starting syllables are the same Consonance – the repetition of consonant sounds Assonance – the repetition of vowel sounds Repetition – the same words/syllables over and over again Serial List – a sequence of ideas linked together Anaphora – the repetition of same sounds that are linked together in a sequence.

Oxymoron – putting two opposite ideas together in a single phrase Paradox – an impossible event that puts two contradictory ideas together.


 * Dramatic irony – when an audience member, reader, viewer knows something that the character does not know.

Tragedy – a story that ends in death, usually, multiple deaths. Also marked by bad luck, bad fortune, ill-fated.

Hamartia – a hero’s downfall

Hubris – overestimation of one’s abilities, pride, arrogance

Peripeteia – a reversal of fortune, usually from good to bad

Anagnorisis –gaining of new knowledge, a discovery.