Enhance Your Learning with English Literary Devices Flash Cards for quick learning
A figure of speech that compares two unlike things using the words 'like' or 'as'. Example: 'Her smile is like sunshine.'
A figure of speech that compares two unlike things by stating that one thing is another. Example: 'The world is a stage.'
A figure of speech in which human qualities are attributed to inanimate objects or abstract ideas. Example: 'The wind whispered through the trees.'
A figure of speech that involves exaggeration for emphasis or dramatic effect. Example: 'I've told you a million times.'
The repetition of initial consonant sounds in neighboring words or syllables. Example: 'Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.'
The repetition of vowel sounds in neighboring words or syllables. Example: 'The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain.'
The repetition of consonant sounds in neighboring words or syllables. Example: 'Mike likes his new bike.'
The use of words that imitate the sounds associated with the objects or actions they refer to. Example: 'Buzz, hiss, boom.'
A figure of speech that combines contradictory terms for a dramatic or ironic effect. Example: 'Jumbo shrimp.'
A literary device that involves a contrast between expectation and reality, often with a humorous or sarcastic effect. Example: 'The fire station burned down.'
The use of vivid and descriptive language to create mental images in the reader's mind. Example: 'The golden sun set over the sparkling blue ocean.'
The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities beyond their literal meaning. Example: 'The dove is a symbol of peace.'
A literary device that hints at future events or outcomes in a story. Example: 'The dark clouds foreshadowed an approaching storm.'
A reference to a well-known person, place, event, or work of literature. Example: 'He was a real Romeo with the ladies.'
The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. Example: 'I have a dream. I have a dream.'
The repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses or sentences. Example: 'I love you. You love me.'
The use of a mild or indirect word or expression in place of a harsh or blunt one. Example: 'He passed away' instead of 'He died.'
A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is substituted for another closely related word. Example: 'The pen is mightier than the sword.'
A figure of speech in which a part is used to represent the whole or the whole is used to represent a part. Example: 'All hands on deck.'
A play on words that exploits multiple meanings or similar sounds of different words. Example: 'I used to be a baker, but I couldn't make enough dough.'
The deliberate use of the same word, phrase, or sentence structure for emphasis or effect. Example: 'Never, never, never give up.'
The repetition of similar sounds at the end of words, often used in poetry. Example: 'Roses are red, violets are blue.'
The rhythmic structure of a poem, determined by the arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables. Example - Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
The continuation of a sentence or thought from one line of poetry to the next without a pause. Example: 'I wandered lonely as a cloud That floats on high o'er vales and hills.'
A pause or break within a line of poetry, often marked by punctuation. Example: 'To be, or not to be, that is the question.'
A 14-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme, often used to express love or deep emotions. Example: 'Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?'
A traditional form of Japanese poetry consisting of three lines with a 5-7-5 syllable pattern. Example: 'An old silent pond A frog jumps into the pond— Splash! Silence again.'
A narrative poem or song that tells a story, often with a repeated refrain. Example: 'Oh, Danny Boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling.'
A poem or song that mourns the loss of someone or something. Example: 'O Captain! My Captain!'
A lyric poem that expresses strong emotions or deep feelings about a particular subject. Example: 'Ode to a Nightingale'
Poetry that does not follow a specific rhyme scheme or meter, allowing for greater freedom and creativity. Example: 'The fog comes on little cat feet.'
Unrhymed poetry written in iambic pentameter, often used in dramatic and epic works. Example: 'To be, or not to be, that is the question.'
A poem or speech in which a character speaks directly to the audience or another character. Example: 'My Last Duchess'
A speech in a play in which a character expresses their thoughts and feelings aloud, often when alone on stage. Example: 'To be, or not to be, that is the question.'
A remark or comment made by a character in a play that is intended to be heard by the audience but not by other characters. Example: 'But, soft! What light through yonder window breaks?'
A character who contrasts with another character, highlighting their differences and qualities. Example: Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson
The main character or hero of a story, often facing challenges and driving the plot forward. Example: Harry Potter
The character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict and obstacles. Example: Lord Voldemort
The struggle or problem that drives the plot of a story, often involving the protagonist and antagonist. Example: Man vs. Nature
The outcome or solution to the conflict in a story, often bringing closure and tying up loose ends. Example: The hero defeats the villain and saves the day.
The sequence of events that make up a story, including exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Example: The hero embarks on a quest to find a lost treasure.
The central message or main idea of a literary work, often conveying a universal truth or insight about life. Example: Love conquers all.
The process of creating and developing characters in a story, often through their actions, dialogue, and descriptions. Example: The protagonist is brave, kind, and determined.
The time, place, and environment in which a story takes place, often influencing the mood and atmosphere. Example: A small town in the 1950s.
The perspective from which a story is told, often determining the amount of information and bias presented. Example: First person, third person omniscient, third person limited.
The author's attitude or feelings towards the subject matter or audience, often conveyed through word choice and style. Example: Serious, humorous, sarcastic.