Literary Devices Flashcards

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Allusion

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A passing reference to something outside of the text: pop culture, history, science, etc. Think about the comparison being made between the speaker’s subject and the reference. What is implied by the comparison? Reference comparison.

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Analogy

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A long comparison between two unlike things to prove a point. It is longer than a metaphor or simile, which only takes up a sentence. What point is the author making with the comparison, and why is the comparison useful in connecting with their audience? Comparison.

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Anaphora

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Repetition of the same word or group of words at the beginning of multiple lines or sentences in a row. Repetition devices are used to aid the speaker in emphasizing a point they want the audience to particularly remember. Repetition.

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Anecdote

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A short, true story used for emotional appeal or to illustrate a point. Think about why it resonates with the audience.

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Antithesis

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Two contrasting ideas placed side-by-side in a single sentence or in sentences beside each other, with the same grammatical structure. It is meant to be memorable for the audience.

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Asyndeton

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Listing items in a series without using conjunctions (and, or, but, nor, for, yet, so). It gives the list a heavier emphasis and is quicker in delivery.

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Colloquialism

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A colorful word or phrase particular to a specific region. It connects to the audience and makes the speaker seem relatable.

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Euphemism

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A softer way of saying something unpleasant; politically correct or polite speech. Euphemisms can be used to avoid speaking directly about unpleasant topics or to make something more publicly acceptable.

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Hyperbole

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A purposeful exaggeration for effect, often used for humor. Both the speaker and audience need to understand the exaggeration for it to be effective.

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Idiom

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A sentence or phrase that, if taken literally, makes no sense, yet everyone knows what it means. Idioms connect with the audience by making the speaker seem more relatable.