Figurative Language
A comparison in which one thing is described as being another thing, without using “like” or “as”, to suggest a shared quality or deeper meaning.
Metaphor
The deliberate reuse of a word, phrase, sound, image, idea or structure to create emphasis or reinforce meaning.
Repetition
A recurring element, such as an image, symbol, word, idea, situation or object, that contributes to a text’s larger themes or meaning.
Motif
The use of language, situations, characters or events to create amusement, often for entertainment, characterisation or social commentary.
Humour
The repetition of the same or similar initial consonant sound in words that occur close together.
Alliteration
Giving human qualities, emotions, actions or characteristics to something non-human, such as an object, place or idea.
Personification
The deliberate presentation of differences between two or more characters, ideas, settings, objects or situations.
Contrast
An indirect reference to a well-known person, event, place, text, myth, historical event or cultural idea.
Allusion
The writer’s or speaker’s attitude towards the subject, character, situation or audience, conveyed through language and style.
Tone
The use of a word whose sound imitates or resembles the sound associated with what it describes, such as “buzz”, “bang” or “hiss”.
Onomatopoeia
Deliberate and extreme exaggeration used to emphasise an idea, emotion or quality; it is not intended to be taken literally.
Hyperbole
The deliberate placement of two contrasting or different elements close together in order to highlight their differences or create a particular effect.
Juxtaposition
A story, character, event or setting in which the literal meaning represents a second, deeper meaning, often involving moral, political, social or philosophical ideas.
Allegory
The deliberate choice of words used by a writer or speaker, including the level of formality, connotations and vocabulary, to create meaning and effect.
Diction
A deliberate pause within a line of poetry, often created by punctuation, which can interrupt the rhythm and emphasise particular words or ideas.
Caesura
Descriptive language that appeals to one or more of the senses to create a vivid picture, experience or impression in the reader’s mind.
Imagery
The use of hints, clues or suggestions that prepare the reader for something that will happen later in the text.
Foreshadowing
A contrast between what is expected and what actually happens, or between what is said and what is actually meant.
Irony
The deliberate or unintended use of language, ideas or situations that allow for more than one possible meaning or interpretation.
Ambiguity
The deliberate repetition of hissing or soft consonant sounds, particularly s, sh, z or similar sounds, to create an auditory effect or contribute to mood and meaning.
Sibilance
Descriptive language that appeals to one or more of the senses to create a vivid picture, experience or impression in the reader’s mind.
Symbolism
The use of hints, clues or suggestions that prepare the reader for something that will happen later in the text.
Paradox
The use of humour, irony, exaggeration, ridicule or other techniques to expose and criticise flaws in individuals, institutions, society or human behaviour.
Satire
A narrator whose account of events cannot be completely trusted because of bias, limited knowledge, deception, misunderstanding or personal beliefs.
Unreliable Narrator
The substitution of the name of something with another word or expression that is closely associated with it. For example, “the crown” can refer to a monarch or monarchy.
Metonymy