Literary Devices
This rhetorical device uses a question not meant to be answered, often for dramatic effect or to provoke thought, such as "How long will we allow this to happen?"
What is Rhetorical Question?
This organizational pattern in informational texts presents the cause and then explains the effect of an event.
What is cause and effect?
This type of information is used to clarify, explain, or prove the main idea in a text, often providing examples, facts, or descriptions.
What is a supporting detail?
The monster who terrorizes Hrothgar's hall and is described as a descendant of Cain.
Who is Grendel?
This is a statement or assertion made by the author that is meant to be proven or supported with evidence in an argument.
What is a claim?
An extreme exaggeration meant to bring a point across. Ex. My mother is going to kill me!
What is hyperbole?
This type of literary work often features fictional characters and events, and is primarily intended to entertain, such as "Romeo and Juliet" or "Harry Potter."
What is a drama?
This is a conclusion or interpretation that a reader makes based on evidence and reasoning, rather than on explicit statements in the text.
What is an inference?
This poetic device, frequently used in Beowulf and Grendel, replaces a common noun with a metaphorical phrase, such as "whale-road" for the sea or "sky-candle" for the sun.
What is a kenning?
This refers to the facts, statistics, examples, or expert opinions used to support a claim or argument.
What is evidence?
This type of nonfiction text tells the story of someone's life, often written by another person, such as The Diary of Anne Frank or The Autobiography of Malcolm X.
What is biography?
This refers to the reason why an author writes a text, such as to inform, entertain, persuade, or express feelings.
What is the author’s purpose?
This rhythmic pause, often found in Old English poetry and used in Beowulf, divides lines into two halves, creating a dramatic break that enhances the flow of the narrative.
What is a caesura?
This is the opposing viewpoint or argument presented in response to the original claim, meant to challenge or refute it.
What is a counterargument?
This refers to the author's attitude or feelings toward the subject or audience, often conveyed through word choice, style, and imagery.
What is tone?
This king of the Danes is plagued by the monstrous Grendel, who attacks his mead hall, Heorot, night after night.
Who is Hrothgar?
This rhetorical technique involves emphasizing or repeating a point to ensure the audience clearly understands the argument’s significance.
What is repetition for emphasis?
This literary device, often used by authors, is a reference to a well-known person, event, or piece of literature outside the text.
What is an allusion?
This type of text is often found in textbooks or articles and provides factual information about a specific topic, such as science, history, or technology.
What is an expository text?
This term refers to a tendency or inclination to present information in a way that favors a particular perspective, often ignoring opposing viewpoints.
What is bias?
This Geatish hero, known for his strength and courage, hears of Grendel’s attacks and decides to sail to Denmark to offer his help.
Who is Beowulf?
This rhetorical strategy is used to address the audience's emotions, often involving strong language to provoke strong feelings such as anger, fear, or sympathy.
What is an emotional appeal (pathos)?