1. English 11
Literary Devices

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

3. 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.

4. 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.”

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

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

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

8. 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.

9. 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

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

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

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

13. 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.

14. Personification
Personification gives human traits to non-human objects

15. 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.

16. 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.