Literary Devices Flashcards

Front

Allegory

Back

The device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning. Often deals with moral truth or a generalization about human existence.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.4.5

Front

Alliteration

Back

The repetition of sounds, especially initial consonants in two or more neighboring words. Can reinforce meaning, unify ideas, supply a musical sound, and/or echo the sense of the passage.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.RL.2.4

Front

Allusion

Back

A direct or indirect reference to something presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art. Used to create a memorable phrase or association.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.L.7.5A

Front

Ambiguity

Back

The multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.5C

Front

Analogy

Back

A similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them. Used to explain something unfamiliar by associating it with something more familiar.

Tags

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

CCSS.L.8.5B

CCSS.L.6.5B

Front

Anaphora

Back

One of the devices of repetition in which the same expression is repeated at the beginning of two or more lines, clauses, or sentences. Used to create a memorable powerful effect.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.2.4

Front

Anecdote

Back

A short narrative detailing particulars of an interesting episode or event. Often refers to an incident in the life of a person.

Tags

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

CCSS.L.11-12.6

CCSS.L.9-10.6

CCSS.W.8.2D

Front

Antecedent

Back

The word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun. Important for understanding pronoun references in complex sentences.

Tags

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

CCSS.L.11-12.6

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

CCSS.L.9-10.6

CCSS.L.8.6

Front

Savage Chickens cartoon illustrating alliteration

Back

A cartoon example of alliteration, showing the repetition of initial consonant sounds.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.RL.2.4

Front

Antithesis

Back

A figure of balance where contrasting ideas are juxtaposed, often through parallel structure, creating a relationship between ideas.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.4.5