Literary Terms

Words and phrases that appeal to readers five senses.

• Imagery

• Onomatopoeia

• Conflict

• Simile

A comparison of two things that have some quality in common; includes like or as.

• Hyperbole

• Symbolism

• Theme

• Simile

A gross exaggeration; describing a situation or event by making it more than it really is; used to evoke feelings or make a point.

• Hyperbole

• Allusion

• Dramatic Irony

• Mood

The choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing.

• Alliteration

• Diction

• Metaphor

• Simile

The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words (tongue twisters).

• Connotation

• Denotation

• Alliteration

• Onomatopoeia

A mild or pleasant word that is substituted for one that is too harsh or blunt.

• Foreshadowing

• Allusion

• Euphemism

• Imagery

A whole phrase with an implied alternate meaning.

• Idiom

• Personification

• Theme

• Diction

The use of words whose sound suggest their meaning (ex. buzz, hiss, pop).

• Onomatopoeia

• Connotation

• Metaphor

• Characterization

Problem in any piece of literature.

• Symbolism

• Imagery

• Hyperbole

• Conflict

A comparison of two seemingly unlike things using the word "like" or "as"

• Metaphor

• Simile

• Genre

• Mood