Literary Devices

Front

What is verbal irony?

Back

Verbal irony occurs when a speaker says something contradictory to what he/she actually means. For example, saying 'What a beautiful day!' during a storm.

Front

How do authors usually show mood in a literary work?

Back

Authors typically show mood through word choice (descriptions), which can evoke specific feelings in the reader.

Front

What is dramatic irony?

Back

Dramatic irony is when the audience knows something that the characters do not. For example, in Hercules, the audience knows that baby Hercules did not drink the last drop of potion, while Hades believes he is mortal.

Front

What is an antihero?

Back

An antihero is a central character in a story, movie, or drama who lacks conventional heroic attributes such as morality, idealism, or courage.

Front

What is an allusion in literature?

Back

An allusion is a brief reference in a literary work to a person, place, thing, or passage in another literary work, usually to associate the tone or theme of one work with another.

Front

What is situational irony?

Back

Situational irony occurs when there is a discrepancy between what is expected to happen and what actually happens. For example, a fire station burns down.

Front

What is a foil character?

Back

A foil is a character who contrasts with another character, usually the protagonist, to highlight particular qualities of the other character.

Front

What is a symbol in literature?

Back

A symbol is a person, place, object, or activity that stands for something beyond itself, often representing abstract ideas or concepts.

Front

What is a theme in literature?

Back

A theme is the central idea or underlying message in a literary work, often reflecting on human nature or society.

Front

What is an allegory?

Back

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