Literary Terms and Devices

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Allusion

Back

A reference to a historical or literary person, place or event with which the reader is assumed to be familiar.

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Analogy

Back

A point-by-point comparison between two dissimilar things for the purpose of clarifying the less familiar one.

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Aphorism

Back

A short statement expressing a truth or opinion about life.

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Connotation

Back

The emotional response evoked by a word.

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Couplet

Back

When two successive lines contain end rhyme.

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Ethos

Back

Writers establish credibility or trustworthiness.

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Imagery

Back

Words or phrases that re-create vivid sensory experiences for the reader.

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Irony

Back

A contrast between what is expected and what actually happens.

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Logos

Back

Writers appeal to logic, reasoning, facts etc. to persuade.

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Lyric

Back

Any short poem that presents a speaker who expresses thoughts and feelings.