Literary Devices
This is when an author hints at future events.
What is foreshadowing?
In context, "melancholy" most likely means this.
What is sadness or sorrow?
If a narrator describes a character locking the door and checking it twice, he is most likely _____.
What is anxious or paranoid?
This tone suggests the author feels admiration: "He spoke with awe of her courage."
What is respectful or admiring?
"The classroom was a zoo" is an example of this.
What is a metaphor?
This is when something represents something else (e.g. a dove for peace).
What is symbolism?
In context, "resilient" most likely means this.
What is strong or able to recover?
A character has tears in their eyes but says “I’m fine.” What’s the real meaning?
They’re not fine; they’re upset.
A sarcastic tone might be used for this kind of effect.
What is irony or criticism?
"He ran as fast as a cheetah" uses this device.
What is a simile?
This device exaggerates for effect, like “I could sleep for a year.”
What is hyperbole?
“meticulous” most likely means this.
What is careful and precise?
The narrator calls someone “generous” but shows them hoarding money. What’s the effect?
Unreliable narrator or irony.
A poem that uses a somber mood is likely about this.
What is death, grief, or loss?
Giving human traits to non-humans is called this.
What is personification?
This is when a part represents the whole, like saying “wheels" instead of "car"
What is synecdoche?
"Ambiguous" most likely means this in context.
What is unclear or open to interpretation?
A narrator describing rain and a funeral likely creates this kind of tone.
What is gloomy or solemn?
When a piece ends without clear resolution, it creates this mood.
What is suspenseful or unresolved?
“Boom,” “crash,” and “buzz” are examples of this.
What is onomatopoeia?
This device occurs when the outcome of a situation is the opposite of what was expected.
What is situational irony?
DAILY DOUBLE
In context, “vindictive” means this.
The narrator never uses the word “homeless,” but describes the character keeping all of their belongings in a backpack and cleaning up in public washrooms. We can reasonably infer this about the character’s situation.
(What is that they are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity?)
A hopeful tone and uplifting imagery suggest this kind of theme.
What is perseverance, optimism, or redemption?
A contradiction like “bittersweet” is called this.
What is an oxymoron?