Common Literary terms / Rhetorical Devices

Front

What is personification?

Back

Personification is a literary device where human qualities are attributed to non-human objects or abstract concepts.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.5A

Front

Define allusion.

Back

An allusion is a reference to a person, place, event, or literary work that is not elaborated on but is expected to be recognized by the reader.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

Front

What is an oxymoron?

Back

An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which two contradictory terms are combined, such as 'bittersweet' or 'deafening silence'.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.5A

Front

Explain the term simile.

Back

A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using the words 'like' or 'as', such as 'as brave as a lion'.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5A

CCSS.L.5.5A

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

Front

What is the definition of metaphor?

Back

A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a direct comparison between two unrelated things by stating that one is the other.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5A

CCSS.L.5.5A

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

Front

What does hyperbole mean?

Back

Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement or claim that is not meant to be taken literally, used for emphasis or effect.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.5A

Front

Define imagery in literature.

Back

Imagery refers to descriptive language that appeals to the senses and creates vivid mental pictures for the reader.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.L.7.5

CCSS.L.8.5

Front

What is the purpose of irony in literature?

Back

Irony is used to convey a meaning that is opposite to its literal meaning, often to create humor or emphasize a point.

Tags

CCSS.L.8.5A

Front

Explain the concept of symbolism.

Back

Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, where a symbol stands for something beyond its literal meaning.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.L.7.5

CCSS.L.8.5

Front

What is an allegory?

Back

An allegory is a narrative in which characters and events symbolize broader themes and concepts, often moral or political.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5