Literary Techniques II Definitions Quiz

A brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing or idea of historical, cultural, literary or political significance.

• hyperbole

• allusion

• alliteration

• simile

Words whose sound imitate a noise or action. Examples are buzz, hiss, hiccup.

• imagery

• personification

• metaphor

• onomatopoeia

A comparison of two things that have some quality in common, using like or as.

• metaphor

• simile

• personification

• irony

Writers use sensory details to help readers IMAGINE how things LOOK, FEEL, SMELL, SOUND, and TASTE.

• Symbolism

• Personification

• Hyperbole

• Imagery

A contrast between what is expected and what actually exists or happens.

• Oxymoron

• Flashback

• Irony

• Metaphor

The use of an image, word, phrase, or character (often repeated) to represent a key idea in a work of fiction.

• Symbolism

• Alliteration

• Imagery

• Foreshadowing

When something is known or understood by the audience but not grasped by the characters. (Think about scary movies and Megan Fox on The Ellen Show)

• Imagery

• Situational Irony

• Allusion

• Dramatic Irony

The writer provides hints that suggest future events in the story.

• alliteration

• foreshadowing

• irony

• symbolism

A comparison of two things that have some quality in common. It does NOT use like or as; it simply says one thing is something else.

• personification

• simile

• metaphor

• hyperbole

A form of figurative language in which something is highly exaggerated.

• oxymoron

• hyperbole

• personification

• irony