Literary Devices Review

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What is a metaphor?

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A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things by stating that one is the other, without using 'like' or 'as'. Example: 'Time is a thief.'

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What is imagery in literature?

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Descriptive language that appeals to the senses and creates a mental picture for the reader. It can involve sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell.

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What is the difference between a protagonist and an antagonist?

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The protagonist is the main character in a story, often facing a conflict, while the antagonist opposes the protagonist, creating tension.

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What is conflict in a story?

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The struggle between opposing forces, which drives the plot. It can be internal (within a character) or external (between characters or forces).

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What is hyperbole?

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

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What is personification?

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

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What is simile?

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A figure of speech that compares two different things using 'like' or 'as'. Example: 'Her smile was like sunshine.'

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What is the central idea of a story?

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The main point or underlying message that the author wants to convey through the narrative.

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What is irony in literature?

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A contrast between expectation and reality, often highlighting a discrepancy between what is said and what is meant, or what is expected and what occurs.

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What is a theme in literature?

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The underlying message or insight about life or human nature that a literary work conveys.