Video Clips
Terms
Examples
Definitions
Examples
100
Baby, baby, baby...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaV2WtMkd5g
What is a repetition?
100
An analogy
What is a literary device that helps to establish a relationship based on similarities between two concepts or ideas. By using an analogy we can convey a new idea by using the blueprint of an old one as a basis for understanding. With a mental linkage between the two, one can create understanding regarding the new concept in a simple and succinct manner.
100
The Wicked Witch of the West went her own way. (The ‘W’ sound is highlighted and repeated throughout the sentence.)
What is "alliteration"
100
A figure of speech whereby the author refers to a subject matter such as a place, event, or literary work by way of a passing reference. It is up to the reader to make a connection to the subject being mentioned.
What is an allusion?
100
John tried hard to convince himself that his Hollywood dreams were worth the struggle but his parents, and his inner voice of reason, failed to agree.
What is conflict? It is a literary device used for expressing a resistance the protagonist of the story finds in achieving his aims or dreams. The conflict is a discord that can have external aggressors or can even arise from within the self. It can occur when the subject is battling his inner discord, at odds with his surroundings or it may be pitted against others in the story.
200
A hyperbole
What is a literary device wherein the author uses specific words and phrases that exaggerate and overemphasize the basic crux of the statement in order to produce a grander, more noticeable effect. The purpose of hyperbole is to create a larger-than-life effect and overly stress a specific point. Such sentences usually convey an action or sentiment that is generally not practically/ realistically possible or plausible but helps emphasize an emotion.
200
The gushing brook stole its way down the lush green mountains, dotted with tiny flowers in a riot of colors and trees coming alive with gaily chirping birds.
What is imagery?
200
Refers to playing around with words such that the meaning implied by a sentence or word is actually different from the literal meaning. Used to suggest the stark contrast of the literal meaning being put forth. The deeper, real layer of significance is revealed not by the words themselves but the situation and the context in which they are placed.
What is irony?
200
“Henry was a lion on the battlefield”. This sentence suggests that Henry fought so valiantly and bravely that he embodied all the personality traits we attribute to the ferocious animal. This sentence implies immediately that Henry was courageous and fearless, much like the King of the Jungle.
What is a metaphor?
300
Onomatopoeia
What are words whose very sound is very close to the sound they are meant to depict. In other words, it refers to sound words whose pronunciation to the actual sound they represent?
300
Sometimes we cherish things of little value. He possessed a cold fire in his eyes.
What is an oxymoron?
300
The manner in which a story is narrated or depicted and who it is that tells the story. Determines the angle and perception of the story unfolding, and thus influences the tone in which the story takes place. Instrumental in manipulating the reader’s understanding of the narrative.
What is Point of view?
300
Santa’s helpers are known as subordinate Clauses.
What is a pun?
400
Similie
What are are one of the most commonly used literary devices; referring to the practice of drawing parallels or comparisons between two unrelated and dissimilar things, people, beings, places and concepts? By using similes a greater degree of meaning and understanding is attached to an otherwise simple sentence. The reader is able to better understand the sentiment the author wishes to convey. Similes are marked by the use of the words ‘as’ or ‘such as’ or ‘like’.
400
You remember when you were a kid and very excited to watch those Saturday morning shows. You can probably recall the feeling you had at the pit of your stomach when, after about 25 minutes and lots of commercials, you were hoping to find out what happened to your favorite character. However, you didn’t get to find out.
What is suspense?
400
A literary device that contains several layers of meaning, often concealed at first sight, and is representative of several other aspects, concepts or traits than those that are visible in the literal translation alone. Symbol is using an object or action that means something more than its literal meaning
What is symbolism?
400
In the play Romeo and Juliet was love with smaller themes of sacrifice, tragedy, struggle, hardship, devotion and so on.
What is the theme?
500
Voila! In view, a humble vaudevillian veteran cast vicariously as both victim and villain by the vicissitudes of fate. This visage no mere veneer of vanity is a vestige of the vox populi, now vacant, vanished... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACUpr5GvVsE
What is alliteration?
500
Any element, subject, idea or concept that is constantly present through the entire body of literature. Refers to the repetition of a specific theme dominating the literary work. Very noticeable and play a significant role in defining the nature of the story, the course of events and the very fabric of the literary piece.
What is a motif?
500
In the play Julius Caesar, the lead character is an ambitious, fearless and power hungry king who ignores all the signs and does not heed the advice of the well-meaning: finally being stabbed to death by his own best friend and advisor Brutus. This moment has been immortalized by the phrase “Et tu Brutus?”, wherein Caesar realizes that he has finally been defeated, and that too through betrayal.
What is tragedy?
500
Refers to the use of indicative word or phrases and hints that set the stage for a story to unfold and give the reader a hint of something that is going to happen without revealing the story or spoiling the suspense.
What is forshadowing?
500
In her Harry Potter series, author J.K. Rowling has taken an extremely positive, inspiring and uplifting tone towards the idea of love and devotion.
What is tone?
M
e
n
u