Literary Devices

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What is a motif?

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A narrative element with symbolic meaning that repeats throughout themes and a work of literature.

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What is a pun?

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A play on words that exploits multiple meanings of a term or similar-sounding words for humorous or rhetorical effect.

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What is indirect characterization?

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A method of character development where the author shows the character's personality through their actions, speech, and thoughts rather than directly stating it.

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What is irony?

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A literary device where the intended meaning is opposite to the literal meaning, often highlighting a contrast between expectation and reality.

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What is a symbol in literature?

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Something that represents or stands for something else, often conveying deeper meanings.

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What is personification?

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A literary device where human characteristics are attributed to non-human objects or abstract concepts.

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What is imagery?

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Descriptive language that appeals to the senses and creates vivid mental pictures.

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What is foreshadowing?

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A literary device used to give an indication or hint of what is to come later in the story.

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What is an allusion?

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A brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance.

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What is an archetype?

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A typical example of a character, action, or situation that represents universal patterns of human nature.