English 11 Literary Devices

Allusion an expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly; an indirect or passing reference

Symbolism Using an object or action that means something more than its literal meaning The mockingjay pin is more than just a spiffy accessory. It symbolizes Katniss’s love for her sister, her father and her friend, Madge. The bird symbolizes resistance and rebellion. They are a “slap in the face” to the Capital.

Foreshadowing refers to the use of a word or phrase that gives reader a hint of something that is going to happen without revealing the story or spoiling the suspense “You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.”

Flashback a scene in a movie, novel, etc., set in a time earlier than the main story Captain America Flashback

Suspense state or feeling of excited or anxious uncertainty about what may happen Jurassic Park

Rhyme correspondence of sound between words or the endings of words, especially when these are used at the ends of lines of poetry

Rhythm Tyger! Tyger! burning bright In the forests of the night. a strong, regular, repeated pattern of movement or sound Tyger! Tyger! burning bright In the forests of the night.

Imagery visually descriptive language “Her face was the color of a dirty pillowcase, and the corners of her mouth glistened with wet, which inched like a glacier down the deep grooves enclosing her chin. Old age liver spots dotted her cheeks, and her pale eyes had black pinpoint pupils.” - To Kill a Mockingbird

External Conflict struggle between a person and an outside force Example: Person versus nature

External Conflict struggle between a person and an outside force Example: Person versus person

External Conflict struggle between a person and an outside force Example: Person versus society

Internal Conflict A psychological struggle within the mind of a literary character Homer has an internal conflict when choosing between right and wrong. You might have an internal conflict when deciding on your lunch.

Personification Personification gives human traits to non-human objects

Tragic Flaw A tragic flaw is a literary term that refers to a personality trait of a main character that leads to his or her downfall. Walter White’s hubris, or excessive pride, led to his eventual downfall.

Indirect Characterization when the narrator shows the reader something about the character through the character's actions, things the character says, or things other characters say. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3mupIlFIYQ