LITERARY DEVICE DEFINITIONS

Front

What is an oxymoron?

Back

An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which contradictory terms appear in conjunction, such as 'deafening silence'.

Front

What is a pun?

Back

A pun is a form of word play that exploits multiple meanings of a term or similar-sounding words for humorous effect.

Front

What is consonance?

Back

Consonance is the repetition of the same consonant sounds in neighboring words, which can occur at the beginning, middle, or end of the words.

Front

What is an allusion?

Back

An allusion is a brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance.

Front

What is a simile?

Back

A simile is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unrelated things using the words 'like' or 'as'.

Front

What is alliteration?

Back

Alliteration is the repetition of the same initial consonant sound in a series of words, such as 'She sells sea shells by the sea shore'.

Front

What is metaphor?

Back

A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a direct comparison between two unrelated things without using 'like' or 'as', such as 'Time is a thief'.

Front

What is personification?

Back

Personification is a literary device where human qualities are attributed to animals, inanimate objects, or abstract concepts.

Front

What is hyperbole?

Back

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

Front

What is imagery?

Back

Imagery is the use of descriptive language that appeals to the senses, creating vivid mental pictures for the reader.