Show:
Literary Elements
Literary Techniques
Literary Techniques
(x2)
Poetic Devices
Rhetorical Devices
100
The logical sequence of events that develops in a story.
What is the plot?
100
Deliberate exaggeration of actions and ideas for the sake of emphasis.
What is hyperbole?
100

A word that it the ‘sound’ of what it represents, allowing the reader to ‘hear’ what is occurring.

What is onomatopoeia?

100
The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words Ex: Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before.
What is alliteration?
100
A question that does not require a reply.
What is a rhetorical question?
200

The time, place and social setting within which a text was created, including the values of the time, the world events, major topics of discussion, key figures, etc.

What is the context?

200

When an object, person, etc. represents a more complex idea, concept or theme.

What is symbolism?

200
Writer's use of hints or clues to suggest events that will occur later in the story.
What is foreshadowing?
200
Language that communicates meanings beyond the literal meanings of words. Ex: Simile, metaphor, personification
What is figurative language?
200
An appeal to authority and credibility.
What is ethos?
300
The main character of a story (or play) and the character in conflict with the main one.
What are the protagonist and antagonist?
300

The process by which characters are introduced, described and then fully formed through their choices, interactions, etc.

What is characterisation?

300
A figure of speech whose meaning is different from the literal meaning of its words. Ex. Raining cats and dogs
What is an idiom?
300
Descriptive words and phrases that re-create sensory experiences for the reader.
What is imagery?
300
An appeal to logic.
What is logos?
400
The feeling or atmosphere that a writer creates for the reader.
What is mood?
400

The way the narrator speaks, including individual word choices, as well as specific overall language choices used to characterise certain characters and develop a stronger sense of voice.

What is narrative voice?

400
Rebecca Skloot uses this technique when using chapters to give accounts of conversations she had with the Lacks family.
What is flashback?
400

Poetry written without rhyme, especially if that poetry is written in iambic pentameter.

What is blank verse?

400
An appeal to a person's emotions.
What is pathos?
500
An underlying message about life or human nature that a writer wants the reader to understand.
What is theme?
500
A work with two levels of meaning -- a literal and symbolic one. Most of the characters, objects, settings, and events represent abstract qualities.
What is an allegory?
500
An indirect reference to a famous person, place, event, or literary work.
What is an allusion?
500
The attitude a writer takes toward a subject; reflects the feelings of the writer.
What is tone?
500
A point by point-by-point comparison between two things that are alike in some respect, often used to explain an unfamiliar subject.
What is an analogy?