Literary Terms and Devices

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Theme

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The central idea or underlying message of a work.

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Tone

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The author’s attitude toward the subject, character, or audience.

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Diction

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The author’s word choice, which shapes tone and meaning.

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Syntax

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The arrangement of words and sentence structure.

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Imagery

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Descriptive language that appeals to the senses.

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Motif

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A recurring element (idea, image, or symbol) that contributes to a theme.

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Symbolism

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When an object, person, or event represents something deeper.

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Allusion

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A reference to another work, event, or figure outside the text.

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Irony

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A contrast between expectation and reality (verbal, situational, or dramatic).

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Juxtaposition

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Placing two elements side by side for contrast or comparison.