Devices Definitions
The central, universal message or lesson about life that an author conveys through a story.
What is Theme?
The classroom was a battlefield as students argued over the assignment. What literary device is being used?
What is a metaphor?
Is 'friendship' a theme or a topic?
What is a theme?
Is 'angry' a character trait or an emotion?
What is an emotion?
Which literary term describes the author's attitude toward a subject: tone or mood?
What is tone?
Vivid, descriptive language that appeals to the reader's five senses to create a clear mental picture.
What is Imagery?
Throughout a story, a character learns that true friendship means supporting others during difficult times. What literary device is being developed?
What is theme?
Is 'True friendship requires loyalty and sacrifice' a theme or a topic?
What is a theme?
Is 'determined' a character trait or an emotion?
What is a character trait?
Which literary term describes the feeling a text creates in the reader: tone or mood?
What is mood?
Compares two unlike things directly without using "like" or "as"
What is a Metaphor?
After years of feeling hopeless, a character begins wearing a bright yellow bracelet that represents a new beginning. What literary device is being used?
What is Symbolism?
A story follows a young girl who learns to trust herself after several failures.
What is the topic: self-confidence or believing in yourself helps you overcome challenges?
What is self-confidence?
Jasmine's hands trembled before her speech, but she walked onto the stage anyway.
Identify one emotion.
What is nervous?
'The abandoned house creaked as shadows stretched across the walls.' What mood do these details create?
It creates a frightening/suspenseful/spooky mood.
When an author uses a concrete object, person, or situation to represent a deeper, abstract idea beyond its literal meaning.
What is Symbolism?
Even though Marcus was afraid, he stood up for his friend when everyone else remained silent. His actions reveal that he is courageous. What literary device is being used?
What is Characterization?
A character faces discrimination but refuses to let others determine their worth. What theme is developed?
People can maintain their dignity and self-worth despite unfair treatment.
Identify Character Trait:
Although Marcus felt defeated after failing the exam, he studied every evening until he improved.
What is determined?
The methods an author uses to develop a character's personality, values, and traits—either directly or indirectly.
What is characterization?
The icy wind whipped against her face as the smell of wet leaves filled the air and thunder shook the windows. What literary device is being used?
What is Imagery?
Two characters respond differently to isolation. One withdraws from others, while the other reaches out for support. Develop a theme that connects both experiences.
Isolation can be overcome through human connection, while withdrawing from others may deepen loneliness.
A character says, 'I hate that I have to follow their rules, but I will continue helping my community.' Analyze how the character's feelings and actions reveal two different aspects of their characterization.
What is the character feels frustrated or resentful, but their continued service reveals responsibility, commitment, or compassion.