Literary Devices

Front

Time and place of a story (e.g., Salinas River, 1930s)

Back

setting

Front

Comparing two things using 'like' or 'as'. Ex: "You're like a kid Lennie."

Back

Simile

Front

Language or speech style of a region (e.g., "It wasn't no good to pet.")

Back

dialect

Front

The author describes a character directly: "He stepped short, quick steps, of a fat legged man."

Back

direct characterization

Front

The author reveals a character through their appearance, actions, dialogue, and others' reactions. Example: "Crooks scowled, but Lennie's smile defeated him."

Back

indirect characterization

Front

The author describes the character directly. Ex: "He stepped short, quick steps, of a fat legged man."

Back

direct characterization

Front

Outcome opposite of expectation (e.g., Crooks lets Lennie in).

Back

situational irony

Front

A person says one thing but means another (sarcasm). Ex: "Sure, said Crooks. And a manure pile under the window. Sure, it's swell."

Back

verbal irony

Front

The audience knows something the characters do not. Example: Lennie in Crooks's room.

Back

Dramatic irony.

Front

Descriptive words appealing to the senses: "A few miles south of Soledad, the Salinas river drops in close to the hillside bank and runs deep and green."

Back

imagery