Common Literary terms / Rhetorical Devices

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What is personification?

Back

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

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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.

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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'.

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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'.

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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.

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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.

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Define imagery in literature.

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

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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.

Front

Explain the concept of symbolism.

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

Front

What is an allegory?

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