Definitions
Simile
Compares two dissimilar objects or ideas with "like" or "as"
A saying/phrase commonly known in a particular culture whose meaning is not meant to be taken literally
Idioms
Allusion
An author references a person, place, thing, event, or other literary work that the audience should be able to recognize
The audience knows something(s) that some character(s) do not.
Dramatic Irony
Metaphor
Comparison of two dissimilar objects or ideas without "like" or "as".
A writer presents a situation or thing as if it is less important or serious than it is in reality. It describes something with less strength than would be expected.
Understatement
Puns
The writer uses words/phrases with similar or identical sounds, but different meanings. OR. Puns can also use words/phrases that have the same spelling, but more than one definition. OR. A “play on words” (definitions & sounds)
When the audience expects an event to occur, but something different/unexpected happens
Situational Irony
Paradox
A statement or situation that appears to contradict itself but then makes sense after rereading it.
The author uses an understatement to make a serious situation funny.
Comedic/Ironic Understatement
Irony
Contradictory or unexpected statements or situations reveal a reality that is different from what appears to be true. When what SHOULD happen does not ACTUALLY happen
No one goes to Panera anymore
because it is so crowded.
Paradox
Oxymoron
Created by two contradictory terms/phrases that are put together in a sentence
The author uses an understatement to defuse a tense/uncomfortable situation.
Polite Understatement
Personification
A type of metaphor when a nonhuman thing/idea is given human traits/characteristics/feelings. Writers use it to help liven up descriptions and create images in a reader’s mind.
Please create an original copy. Your only choice is to get to work.
Oxymoron
Hyperbole
Purposely exaggerates something to an extreme.
The author uses an understatement to downplay a great achievement.
Euphemism
When a writer uses a softer/nicer word/phrase in the place of something that could be considered offensive or unpleasant.
Jack is taller than a skyscraper.
Simile