Literary Elements

Simile Uses like or as to compare two things Example: The clouds are like a marshmallow. Ronald ran as fast as he could.

Metaphor Compares two things, but does not use like or as Example: Matt is a troll in the morning.

Foreshadowing Advance sign or warning of what is to come in the future

Hyperbole Use of exaggeration Example: It’s raining cats and dogs!

Flashback an earlier event is inserted into the normal chronological order of a narrative

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

Personification Giving human qualities to animals or things Example: The clock had a heart beat.

Cause and Effect A cause is WHY something happens. An effect is WHAT happens. Examples: Kim woke up early Monday morning because she had so many things to do. 

Symbolism The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities Examples: Red can symbolize blood, passion, danger, or immoral character. Roses stand for romance.

Allusion Makes reference to something or someone else Example: I was surprised his nose was not growing like Pinocchio’s.