Literary Devices Flashcards

Front

Metaphor

Back

A figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things without using “like” or “as.”

Front

Passage: “The world is a stage.”

What two things are being compared, and what does this comparison suggest?

Back

The world is being compared to a stage, suggesting that life is like a performance and people play roles.

Front

Foreshadowing

Back

A literary device that gives an advance hint of what is to come later in the story.

Front

Passage: A character sees dark clouds gathering.

What might this image hint at later in the story?

Back

The dark clouds suggest that something bad or tragic is about to happen.

Front

Irony

Back

A contrast between what is expected and what actually happens.

Front

Passage: A fire station burns down.

Why is this situation unexpected or surprising?

Back

It’s ironic because a fire station is supposed to prevent fires, not be destroyed by one.

Front

Allusion

Back

A brief reference to a person, place, event, or work of literature that the author expects the reader to recognize.

Front

Passage:

“He was a real Romeo with the ladies.”

What does this reference tell you about the character?

Back

It suggests he is romantic or flirtatious, like Romeo from Romeo and Juliet.

Front

Symbolism

Back

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities beyond their literal meaning.

Front

Passage: A dove appears flying across the sky during a peaceful moment in the story.

What idea might the dove symbolize?

Back

The dove symbolizes peace or hope.