Literary Devices Pre-Quiz

Narrator is outside of the story and gives the reader information

The emotional reaction created within the reader (how we respond to the tone of the story).

Problem the character struggles with that is outside of him

Choices the author makes in the words he uses to tell his/her story.

Author’s attitude that is created through his choice of words

Author directly makes statements about the character

A comparison of two or more things that have something in common (without using key words)

A combination of seemingly contradictory (opposite) words

Exists when the character says one thing but means something else

The author’s personality that is developed through his/her writing style and word choices.

The perspective from which the story is told to the reader.

The emotional meaning behind the word.

Words/phrases that create a picture in the reader’s mind – usually hits the 5 senses

Narrator is outside of the story and tells the thoughts or actions of the main characters.

Clues that hints at events that will occur later in the plot. Helps builds suspense.

A great exaggeration is used for emphasis or humorous effect

The use of a word or phrase that imitates or suggests the sound of what it describes

Problem the character is struggling with that is inside of himself

Words and phrases used but the meaning isn’t supposed to be taken literally.

Exists when the reader knows something that a character does not know

Sentence structure (how words are arranged and how punctuation is used).

A humorous play on words or on two different words with the same sound

An object, a person, a place, or an experience that stands for/represents something else

Animals, objects, force of nature, or ideas are given human qualities or characteristics

A sentence that shows the universal meaning / message / insight into life of the story read.

A reference to a character, place, another work of literature, music, art, or history

Where the reader knows what the narrator is thinking, feeling, doing.

When the reader draws a conclusion based on the information given to him/her through the story.

Repeating first initial consonant sounds

The literal (dictionary) definition of the word.

A comparison of seemingly unlike things using keywords “like” or “as”

The use of a series of words, phrases, or sentences that have similar grammatical form.

Narrator is outside of the story and tells the thoughts, feelings, or actions of one character.

Author reveals the personality of the character through thoughts

Exists when the actual outcome of a situation is the opposite of what is expected