Alliteration The use of words that begin with the same sound near one another Example: “…but observe the white web-work which gleams from these cavern walls.”

Characterization The way a writer makes a character seem real Example: Direct: “Fortunato, like his countrymen, was a quack” Indirect: Fortunato states “[Luchesi] is an ignoramus!”

Imagery Descriptive language that creates an image of a scene in the reader’s mind Example: “Its walls had been lined with human remains, piled to the vault overhead, in the fashion of the great catacombs of Paris.”

Metaphor A description of one thing that is used to refer to another thing, in order to suggest how they are similar Example: “He... Looked into my eyes with two filmy orbs”

Motif An important idea or subject repeated throughout a story or book Example: Revenge

Pun A humorous way of using a word or phrase so that more than one meaning is suggested Example: “You are not of the masons.” “Yes, yes,” I said

Simile A comparison of two things, usually using ‘like’ or ‘as’ (a type of metaphor) Example: “It hangs like moss upon the vaults.”

Situational Irony When the exact opposite of what is expected happens Example: It is the carnival season, a merry time, yet Montresor is planning revenge on Fortunato

Verbal Irony When a character says one thing, but means the opposite (similar to sarcasm) Example: Montresor toasts to Fortunato’s “long life” in the catacombs

Dramatic Irony When the audience is aware of something that a character or characters are not aware of in a story Example: The audience knows that Montresor wants revenge on Fortunato, when Fortunato has no idea