Style
A simulation of auditory senses; a word or phrase that conveys the sound of something.
Onomatopoeia
What is a comparison of two or more things using the words "like" or "as"?
Simile
Giving inanimate or inhuman beings human characteristics or attributes.
Personification
Using one noun (person, place, thing, or idea) to highlight contrasting traits in another noun of the same type.
Foil
Foreshadowing
When words with the same sound or letter appear in a sentence; typically consecutively.
Alliteration
What is an implicit comparison of two or more things without the use of the words "like" or "as"?
Metaphor
An overused phrase, expression, or idea that has lost its originality or impact due to frequent repetition.
Cliché
Combining contradicting terms for poetic effect.
Oxymoron
A cut in the chronological flow in order to reveal previous events.
Flashback
A play on the double meaning of words.
Pun
When something is used to represent something else, such as an idea or concept.
Symbolism
Allusion
What is an extreme exaggeration of a real event or situation.
Hyperbole
Repeating nouns (people, places, events or ideas) with similar traits at different parts of the story.
Mirror
A story within a story.
Frame Story
What is a story used to represent an abstract concept or idea?
Allegory
A short, personal story used to illustrate a point; often prefacing a persuasive/argumentative essay or speech.
Anecdote
A literary devices used to highlight the difference between expectations (what seems to be) and reality (what is); similar to sarcasm.
Irony
What is it called when you compare two or more things in order to better explain or prove a point?
Analogy
The repetition of the last word of one clause at the beginning of the next.
Ex. "Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering." -Yoda
Anadiplosis
What is a reoccurring element with symbolic meaning?
Motif
Used to refer to something indirectly; usually in a more pleasant or polite way.
(put to sleep)
Euphemism
A seemingly contradictory statement that reveals a deeper truth.
Paradox
The repetition of the same word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses.
Ex: "I have a dream..." M.L.K. Jr.
Anaphora