Literary Devices

Front

What is a metaphor?

Back

A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things by stating that one is the other. Example: 'The snow was a white blanket on the normally green grass.'

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5A

CCSS.L.5.5A

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

Front

What is imagery in literature?

Back

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses and creates vivid pictures in the reader's mind. Example: 'The ball was a deep red, like that of a fire truck, glistening in the bright sun.'

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 allusion?

Back

A reference to a well-known person, place, event, or work of literature. Example: 'He was acting like Hitler, I was nervous we were about to have a 3rd World War.'

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

Front

What is repetition in literature?

Back

The intentional reuse of words or phrases to emphasize a point or theme. Example: 'I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.'

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

Front

What does it mean for something to be ironic?

Back

A situation or expression that signifies the opposite of what is expected. Example: 'The shoemaker's children have no shoes.'

Tags

CCSS.L.8.5A

Front

What is personification?

Back

A literary device where human qualities are attributed to animals, inanimate objects, or abstract concepts. Example: 'The wind whispered through the trees.'

Tags

CCSS.L.6.5A

Front

What is a simile?

Back

A figure of speech that compares two different things using 'like' or 'as'. Example: 'Her stare was cold as ice.'

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5A

CCSS.L.5.5A

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

Front

What is hyperbole?

Back

An exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally, used for emphasis or effect. Example: 'I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.'

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.5A

Front

What is an oxymoron?

Back

A figure of speech in which contradictory terms appear in conjunction. Example: 'Deafening silence.'

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.5A

Front

What is a pun?

Back

A form of word play that exploits multiple meanings of a term or similar-sounding words for humorous or rhetorical effect. Example: 'Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.'

Tags

CCSS.L.8.5A