G9-10: Common Literary Devices

Define "simile".

• a comparison of two unlike things by saying / imply one thing IS the other

• a comparison of two unlike things using the words "like" or "as ____ as"

• an indirect reference to a person, place, thing, event, or other literary work OUTSIDE the text

• a concrete thing that represents an abstract idea

Which are NOT one of the three types of irony?

• dramatic (the audience knows something the character[s] doesn't)

• verbal (sarcasm)

• situational (the opposite of what is expected is what happens)

• insincere (what is said is a lie)

Define onomatopoeia.

• repetition of the same CONSONANT sound at the beginning of successive words

• repetition of the same VOWEL sound at the beginning of successive words

• words that are spelled to reflect their sounds

• when two contradictory words appear together

Which of the following is a symbol?

• skull : death

• love : affection

• Harry Potter : a wizard

• he is as sleepy as : a sloth

Which of the following is a metaphor? [Select all that apply.]

• The furious student roared profanities at the teacher.

• His nose is as sharp as an arrowhead.

• He crumbled under the pressure to succeed.

• My father is my rock when things get tough.

Alliteration is the repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of successive words. Which of the following fits this description? [Select all that apply.]

• The student slithered stealthily into her seat.

• Bombs blasted upon the broken basketball court, bursting windows.

• Often, otters or owls are found out in the alcove.

• Oy! Aren't your boys supposed to clean up your toys?!

Which is NOT one of the five main categories of conflict?

• human vs human

• human vs self

• human vs nature

• human vs technology

• human vs comfort

What is the usual reason one might use a metaphor or simile?

• To highlight a difference

• To highlight a similarity

• To emphasise a topic

• To create a rhythm

What is the usual reason one might use a hyperbole?

• To contrast two things

• To create tension in a scene

• To emphasise the scale of something

• To allow the reader to "hear" what is happening in the story

What are two main reasons one might incorporate alliteration into a text?

• to create rhythm

• to create a certain mood (discomforting, languid, etc.)

• to connect to ideas from another work

• to "paint a picture" in the mind of the audience