AP Literary Devices

Definitions 1

100

Simile

Comparing two objects using like or as.

200

Foreshadowing

Hints or clues about what will happen later in the story.

300

Hyperbole

Using extreme exaggeration.

400

Alliteration

The repetition of a beginning consonant sound in words that are close together

500

Idiom

A figure of speech that does not literally mean what it says. It has usually been passed down from generation to generation.

Definitions 2

100

Metaphor

Comparing two objects without using like or as

200

Personification

Giving human qualities to an object or animal

300

Assonance

The repetition of vowel sounds within closely placed words.

400

Allusion

A reference to another work of literature, person, or event, often used to provide deeper meaning.

500

Metonymy

A figure of speech in which one word or phrase is substituted for another with which it is closely associated or related. It involves a direct connection between the two terms.

Example: The White House issued a statement.

Definitions 3

100

Anaphora

A rhetorical device used to create emphasis and rhythm by repeating the same word or group of words at the start of successive clauses.

200

Imagery

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses and creates vivid mental pictures.

300

Symbolism

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities beyond the literal sense.

400

Irony (define and name the 3 types)

A contrast between expectation and reality, including situational irony, dramatic irony, and verbal irony.

500

Synecdoche

A figure of speech in which a part of something is used to represent the whole, or the whole is used to represent a part. 

Example: "All hands on deck"

Definitions 4

100

Theme

The central idea or message of a literary work, often explored through various literary devices.

200

Tone

The author’s attitude toward the subject or audience, conveyed through word choice, style, and content.

300

Asyndeton

The omission of conjunctions (such as “and” or “or”) between parts of a sentence to create a sense of urgency, speed, or emphasis.

400

Juxtaposition

Placing two elements side by side to highlight their differences or create contrast

500

Diction

The choice of words and their connotations, which contribute to the tone and meaning of the text.

Definitions 5

100

First-Person Perspective

The story is narrated by a character who is directly involved in the events of the story. The narrator uses first-person pronouns such as “I,” “me,” “my,” and “we.”

200

Second-Person Perspective

The narrator addresses the reader directly using the second-person pronoun “you.” This perspective is less common in literature.

300

Third-Person Limited Perspective

The narrator is outside of the story and uses third-person pronouns such as “he,” “she,” “they,” or “it.” The narrator has access to the thoughts and feelings of only one character.

400

Third-person omniscient narration

​The narrator is all-knowing and has access to the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of all characters in the story.​

500

Motif

A recurring element or theme that has symbolic significance in a literary work.

In “Harry Potter,” the motif of the lightning bolt scar represents Harry’s connection to Voldemort and his role as the chosen one.

In “The Hunger Games,” the Mockingjay symbol is a recurring motif that represents rebellion and resistance.