Literary Devices
In Animal Farm:
This device is used when the pigs represent real-world political figures, like Napoleon standing for Stalin.
What is allegory?
1. Which of the following best describes a central theme in a story where a character defies societal norms to pursue their passion?
A. Obedience leads to peace
B. Conformity ensures safety
C. Individuality can lead to self-discovery
D. Rules should never be broken
What is C. Individuality can lead to self-discovery
In The Hunger Games, Katniss volunteers as tribute and begins training for the arena. These events are part of this plot stage.
What is rising action?
This is the main character in a story, often the one facing the central conflict. In The Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen is an example.
What is a protagonist?
This figure of speech says one thing but means another, often the opposite, and is used frequently in Animal Farm when the animals’ commands change.
What is irony?
“Four legs good, two legs bad” is repeated throughout the novel. This is an example of this device, often used for emphasis or propaganda.
What is repetition?
In a story where nature is being destroyed due to human greed, which theme is most clearly demonstrated?
A. The value of friendship
B. The importance of protecting the environment
C. People must always follow the rules
D. Wealth leads to happiness
What is B. The importance of protecting the environment?
After Napoleon takes full control, the animals work harder, the commandments change, and the pigs begin walking on two legs.
What is falling action?
This type of character stays the same throughout the story. In Animal Farm, Boxer always remains loyal and hardworking, making him this kind of character.
What is a static character?
In Taylor Swift’s song “Love Story,” she sings, “You were Romeo, you were throwing pebbles,” making a comparison.
What is a metaphor?
Boxer’s motto “I will work harder” shows his blind loyalty. This character represents the working class and is an example of this type of device.
What is a symbol?
In Finding Nemo, Marlin learns to trust his son and not always follow the rules set by fear. What is the theme?
In the opening of Animal Farm, this event introduces the animals, the farm setting, and their initial unhappiness under Mr. Jones’s rule.
What is Old Major’s speech about rebellion during the exposition?
Simba in The Lion King shows many emotions and changes throughout the story, making him this type of character who is complex and well-developed.
What is a round character?
In the movie Frozen, Elsa’s “Let it go” scene uses this figure of speech by giving the ice and snow human feelings and actions.
What is personification?
The final commandment change to “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others” is an example of this ironic device.
What is a paradox?
In WALL-E, the Earth is covered in trash and abandoned, showing the consequences of ignoring this theme.
What is protecting the environment?
The part of the plot when Napoleon uses the dogs to chase Snowball off the farm and seizes total control.
What is the climax?
In The Lion King, Scar serves as this type of character because he contrasts with Simba and highlights Simba’s bravery and kindness.
What is a foil?
In The Weeknd’s song “Blinding Lights,” he says, “I’m blinded by the lights,” which means he’s overwhelmed emotionally, not literally.
What is hyperbole?
When Napoleon trains the puppies to become his secret police, this ________ his eventual dictatorship. Name this device.
What is foreshadowing?
This classic children’s novel by Carl Hiaasen involves a boy trying to protect owls from a construction project, directly supporting the theme of environmental activism.
What is Hoot?
At the end of Romeo and Juliet, when the families discover the young lovers have died and agree to end their feud, this part of the plot is taking place.
What is the resolution?
Władysław Szpilman, the protagonist of The Pianist, changes dramatically throughout the story as he struggles to survive during WWII. He is an example of this type of character.
What is a dynamic character?
In Hamilton, the lyric “The world turned upside down” is not literal—it expresses emotional chaos. What kind of figurative language is this?
What is hyperbole or metaphor?