Miscellaneous Literary Devices
Common Literary Devices
Contrary Literary Devices
Grammatical Literary Devices
Literary Devices for Meaning
100

An absurd or self contradictory statement which may have significant truth to it.

What is a paradox?

100

To give something non-human an human characteristic. 

What is to personify (personification)?

100

Something being less important than initially believed to be. 

What is an understatement?

100

Proper word choice in writing. 

What is diction?

100

A story when interpreted reveals a deeper moral or political meaning. Plato's Cave is a very famous example of this. 

What is an Allegory?

200

To imitate a specific work or genre and to exaggerate it for comic effect. 

What is the definition of parody?

200

Words applied to actions which aren't meant to be taken literally. 

What is a metaphor?

200

When the opposite results from what was expected. 

What is situational irony?

200
The ability to arrange words into well created sentences. 

What is syntax?

200

A comparison for the purpose of explanation. 

What is an anology?
300

To imitate a certain style with other intent that to imitate. 

What is to pastiche?
300

A vivid description in literary work. 

What is imagery?

300

A contradictory meaning the opposite of what you mean, used intentionally for comic effect. 

What is verbal irony?

300

A particular form of language which is specific to a region or group?

What is a dialect?

300

A literal meaning without regards to its connotations.

What is denotation? 

400

A recurring action which has significance to literary work. 

What is a motif?

400

To compare two different things for a more vivid expression.

What is a simile?

400

The audiences knowing/understanding something the characters don't. 

What is dramatic irony?

400

The use of a societal object to represent social norm ideas. 

What is symbolism (symbol)?

400

A feeling in a word which adds feeling to its common definition. 

What is connotation?

500
2 object placed besides each other with a contrasting effect. 

What is juxtaposition?

500

An exaggerated statement meant not to be taken literally. 

What is a hyperbole?

500

A parallel expression of words which are on opposite extremes. 

What is an antithesis?

500

Informal phrasing, used for normal conversation. 

What is colloquialism? 

500

A non applicable phrase which includes further detail.

What is an extended metaphor?

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