Literary Devices
A comparison that points out similarities between two dissimilar things
What is analogy?
A word to which a pronoun refers.
What is antecedent?
A poet; in olden times, a performer who told heroic stories to musical accompaniment.
What is a bard?
A highly regarded work of literature or other art form that has withstood the test of time.
What is a classic?
Characterized by clever or sly humor.
What is arch?
A short pithy statement of a generally accepted truth or sentiment.
What is aphorism?
A reference to a person, place, or event meant to create an effect or enhance the meaning of an idea.
What is allusion?
A list of works cited or otherwise relevant to a particular subject.
A structural element of a sentence, consisting of a grammatical subject and a predicate.
The repetition of two or more consonant sounds in a group of words or a unit of speech or writing.
What is consonance?
A person, scene, event or other element that fails to correspond with the appropriate time or era.
What is anachronism?
Directed to or appealing to feelings or prejudices instead of to intellect or reason.
What is ad hominem?
A French term for the world of books, criticism, and literature in general.
What is belle-lettres?
The high point, or turning point, of a story or play.
A character or force in a work of literature that, by opposing the protagonist, produces tension or conflict.
What is antagonist?
A story in which a second meaning is to be read beneath the surface.
What is allegory?
An abstract or ideal conception of a type; a perfectly typical example; an original model or form.
What is archetype?
Insincere or overdone sentimentality.
What is bathos?
Grating, inharmonious sounds.
What is cacophony?
A witty or ingenious thought; a diverting or highly fanciful idea, often stated in figurative language.
What is a conceit?
A locution that addresses a person or personified thing not present.
What is apostrophe?
Ex. "This is one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."
What is antithesis?
A work of literature meant to ridicule a subject; a grotesque imitation.
What is burlesque?
Discourse that avoids direct reference to a subject.
What is circumlocution?
An analysis or assessment of a thing or situation for the purpose of determining its nature, limitations, and conformity to set a standards.
What is critique?