Literary Devices
Literary device comparing two unlike things using “like” or “as”
What is a simile?
What is the difference between tone and mood?
What is: Tone is the author’s attitude; mood is how the reader feels.
What does it mean to determine the meaning of a word “in context”?
It means using surrounding words and sentences to determine a word’s meaning.
What is symbolism?
Symbolism is when an object represents a deeper meaning or abstract idea.
If you talk during the mid-term, what are the consequences?
What is: A 0 non-revisable, a referral, and communication home.
What is imagery, and which sense does it appeal to most often?
What is: Imagery is descriptive language that appeals to the senses; it most often appeals to sight, but can include sound, touch, taste, or smell.
If an author’s tone is sarcastic, how might the mood feel to the reader?
What is: mocking, uncomfortable, tense, or humorous (depending on context).
In the phrase “a sancocho of emotions,” what does sancocho mean?
What is: a mixture or blend of many things
Why might an author use an object to represent an abstract idea?
Objects make abstract ideas easier to understand and more powerful.
After reading the directions for the exam, what is the first thing you should do before you start reading and answering questions?
What is: review and annotate ALL questions.
What is an allusion?
Which word best describes the mood of a scene where a character feels trapped and hopeless?
Hopeless, bleak, despairing, trapped, anxious.
If a word has multiple meanings, how do you determine which meaning fits the sentence?
By examining how the word is used in the sentence and eliminating meanings that don’t make sense.
Identify the symbol:
A broken mirror repeatedly appears in a story.
Possible meanings: broken identity, shattered self-image, distorted truth (any reasonable explanation).
How many times, at least, should you read a poem?
What is: three times.
How does personification help deepen the reader’s understanding of a poem or story?
What is: Personification gives human qualities to nonhuman things, making ideas more relatable and emotionally impactful.
How does word choice contribute to establishing tone?
Word choice conveys the author’s attitude, which establishes tone and influences how the reader feels.
What does the word elicit most nearly mean in this sentence, and how does the context affect its meaning?
“Where the priests and nuns know how to elicit true piety.”
What is: To draw out or bring forth. --> Context meaning: To force or pressure someone into showing religious devotion.
What is diction, and why is it important to meaning?
Diction is an author’s word choice, which affects meaning, tone, and mood.
What should you do before saying you are done with any of your mid-terms?
What is: Reread, revise, and check for clarity and errors.
What impact does figurative language have on the tone or mood in the following passage?
The words clawed at her throat, desperate to escape. Silence sat beside her, heavy and watchful, daring her to speak.
What is: using imagery and personification to create a tense tone and anxious/uncomfortable mood.
Explain why the tone of a text might change from the beginning to the end.
What is: Tone may shift as the character changes, the conflict develops, or the theme becomes clearer.
How does connotation help clarify the meaning of the word “fleeting” in this passage?
His apology sounded sincere, but the smile that followed was thin and fleeting, vanishing the moment he turned away.
What is: fleeting means 'very brief' and the connotation suggests insincerity/fakeness
How do symbolism and diction work together to reinforce the meaning of this passage?
She folded the letter again and again until the paper softened and the words blurred. When she finally dropped it into the trash, the sound was barely louder than a breath.
What is: the letter symbolizes truth or a confession and the words "blurred" and "softened" signify emotional weight. They work together to communicate the action of letting go or silencing oneself.
When writing a short answer response, what is required to receive full points?
What is: 5-8 complete sentences, a claim, pieces of textual evidence, analysis, and correct punctuation, spelling, and grammar.