Literary Devices Flashcards

Front

Allegory

Back

The device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning. Often deals with moral truth or a generalization about human existence.

Front

Alliteration

Back

The repetition of sounds, especially initial consonants in two or more neighboring words. Can reinforce meaning, unify ideas, supply a musical sound, and/or echo the sense of the passage.

Front

Allusion

Back

A direct or indirect reference to something presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art. Used to create a memorable phrase or association.

Front

Ambiguity

Back

The multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.

Front

Analogy

Back

A similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them. Used to explain something unfamiliar by associating it with something more familiar.

Front

Anaphora

Back

One of the devices of repetition in which the same expression is repeated at the beginning of two or more lines, clauses, or sentences. Used to create a memorable powerful effect.

Front

Anecdote

Back

A short narrative detailing particulars of an interesting episode or event. Often refers to an incident in the life of a person.

Front

Antecedent

Back

The word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun. Important for understanding pronoun references in complex sentences.

Front

Savage Chickens cartoon illustrating alliteration

Back

A cartoon example of alliteration, showing the repetition of initial consonant sounds.

Front

Antithesis

Back

A figure of balance where contrasting ideas are juxtaposed, often through parallel structure, creating a relationship between ideas.