Literary Devices

A literary work that has a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.

• Allusion

• Hyperbole

• Allegory

• Satire

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

A literary device that presents a situation that is the opposite of what one expects.

• Metaphor

• Setting

• Allusion

• Irony

Tags

CCSS.L.8.5A

An element of literature that pits the lead character against an opposing force, sometimes him- or herself.

• Conflict

• Irony

• Hyperbole

• Motivation

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.6

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

CCSS.W.8.2D

CCSS.L.8.6

A literary device that uses a person, place, or thing to represent a broader idea.

• Personification

• Theme

• Simile

• Symbol

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.6

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

CCSS.W.8.2D

CCSS.L.9-10.6

The particular feeling or state of mind that a literary work causes in the reader.

• Mood

• Tone

• Moral

• Suspense

Tags

CCSS.L.3.3A

CCSS.L.4.3A

CCSS.L.5.3A

CCSS.L.6.3A

CCSS.L.6.3B

The use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.

• Synecdoche

• Satire

• Fable

• Alliteration

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

An author's attitude toward the subject matter, conveyed through the words and feelings expressed.

• Mood

• Theme

• Tone

• Point of view

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.6

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

CCSS.W.8.2D

CCSS.L.8.6

A universal idea, lesson, or message explored throughout a work of literature.

• Subject

• Author's purpose

• Characterization

• Theme

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.6

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

CCSS.W.8.2D

CCSS.L.9-10.6

A series of words that begin with the same consonant sound.

• Apostrophe

• Alliteration

• Allegory

• Allusion

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.RL.2.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

A figure of speech comparing two seemingly unlike things by calling the one thing the other.

• Metaphor

• Simile

• Contrast

• Comparison

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.6

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

CCSS.W.8.2D

CCSS.L.8.6