Literary Devices Terms 41-55

Giving an inanimate object human-like qualities Personification Giving an inanimate object human-like qualities Example: The teacup was talking to the table.

A play on words (similar words but different meanings) Pun A play on words (similar words but different meanings) Example: When the father buffalo said goodbye to his son, he said “bison.”

Repetition When a writer or speaker knowingly repeats a word or a group of words for effect Example:

A question asked for effect, not requiring an answer Rhetorical Question A question asked for effect, not requiring an answer Example: What is the meaning of life?

Rhythm When the arrangement of words creates an audible pattern or beat when read out loud Example: Once upon a midnight dreary...

Harsh words intended to hurt someone Sarcasm Harsh words intended to hurt someone Example: YEAH….

Satire A literary work that ridicules or criticizes a human vice through humor or derision Example: A Modest Proposal

A comparison using like or as Simile A comparison using like or as Example: A school day is like a lifetime sentence.

Slant Rhyme Two words that have some sound in common but do not rhyme exactly

Sonnet Fourteen line poem that is written in iambic pentameter and has a specific rhyme scheme (Exp. Sonnet 18)

Stream of Consciousness A style of writing in which the author tries to reproduce the random flow of thoughts in the human mind

Symbol Something that stands for or represents something else Example: “Snowy Egret”

The writer’s attitude toward a particular subject or character Tone The writer’s attitude toward a particular subject or character Example: Sherman Alexie’s characterization of Earl shows that he is disapproving of racist individuals

Saying less than what one means for effect Understatement Saying less than what one means for effect Example: (Bleeding profusely) It’s just a scratch.

Wit Intellectually amusing language that surprises and delights