Literary Devices

A joke exploiting the different possible meanings of a word. The use of play on words.

A warning or indication of a future event.

Synonymous with "attitude." It describes how the AUTHOR is feeling.

A saying that masks a rude or impolite expression but still conveys the concept politely.

Synonymous with "atmosphere." It describes how the READER is feeling.

A comparison of two unlike things NOT using "like" or "as"

When the unexpected happens but it sort of makes sense.

Occurs when opposite ideas are joined together to create an effect.

The suggesting of additional meanings by a word or expression, apart from its literal meaning.

A short statement that summarizes the main point(s) of an essay.

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.

The presentations of something being smaller, worse, or less important than it actually is.

The explicit or direct meaning or set of meanings of a word or expression.

The occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of closely connected words.

First person, second person, third person, third person omniscient

A comparison of two unlike things using "like" or "as."

Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution

Contrary to expectations, existing belief or perceived opinion.

Visually descriptive or figurative language, especially in a literary work.

A main idea or an underlying meaning of a literary work stated throughout a text.

A comparison in which an idea or a thing that is quite different from it.

The process by which the writer reveals the personality of a character.

The formation of a word from a sound associated with what is named.

When the audience knows something the character doesn't.

A scene in a story set in a time earlier than the main story.

A brief and indirect reference to something of historical, cultural, or literary significance.

a struggle between a character and an outside force or within a character's own mind.

Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.