Literary Terms and Concepts

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Simile

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Comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, using 'like' or 'as'. Examples: 'as quiet as a mouse,' 'as strong as an ox,' and 'as fit as a fiddle.'

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Tone

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The mood implied by an author's word choice and the way that the text can make a reader feel. Examples: formal, humorous, informal, accusatory.

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Metaphor

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A comparison between two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as,' stating that one thing is another. Examples: 'The classroom was a zoo,' or 'He is a shining star.'

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Personification

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Giving human qualities or actions to inanimate objects or animals. Examples: 'The wind whispered through the trees,' or 'The sun smiled down on us.'

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Alliteration

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The repetition of the same beginning sound in a group of words. Examples: 'Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers,' or 'Sally sells seashells.'

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Symbolism

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When an object, person, or idea represents something else, often a deeper meaning. Examples: A dove symbolizing peace, or a red rose symbolizing love.

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Flashback

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An interruption in the present action of a story to show an event from the past. Example: A character suddenly remembering a childhood memory during a present-day conversation.

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Irony

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A contrast between what is expected and what actually happens. Examples: A fire station burning down, or someone saying 'Oh, fantastic!' when something terrible happens.

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Repetition

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The act of repeating a word, phrase, or sentence for emphasis. Example: 'Never give up. Never surrender. Never stop believing.'

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Hyperbole

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An extreme exaggeration used for emphasis or effect. Examples: 'I'm so hungry I could eat a horse,' or 'I've told you a million times.'