Literary Devices
The repetition of initial consonant sounds in neighboring words or syllables.
What is Alliteration?
A comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification.
What is an Analogy?
The attribution of human characteristics to something non-human.
What is Personification?
The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.
What is Symbollism?
A short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person.
What is an Anecdote?
A figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, using "like" or "as".
What is a Simile?
The use of successive verbal constructions that correspond in grammatical structure, sound, meter, meaning, etc.
What is Parellelism?
Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.
What is a Hyperbole?
A brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance.
What is Allusion?
The use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.
What is Satire?
A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.
What is a Metaphor?
The repetition of words in successive clauses, but in reverse order.
What is an Antimetabole?
A very typical example of a certain person or thing, or a recurrent symbol or motif in literature, art, or mythology.
What is an Archetype?
Visually descriptive or figurative language, especially in a literary work.
What is Imagery?
A work of literature portraying an idealized version of country life.
What is a Pastoral?
The omission of a word or words in a sentence, which is understood in context.
What is an Ellipsis?
The omission or absence of a conjunction between parts of a sentence
What is an Asyndeton?
The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences.
What is an Anaphora?
The repetition of vowel sounds in neighboring words or syllables.
What is Assonance?
A word or phrase that is not formal or literary and is used in ordinary or familiar conversation.
What is Colloquialism?
A figure of speech in which a word applies to two others in different senses or to two others of which it semantically suits only one.
What is Zeugma (Syllepsis)?
The use of several conjunctions in close succession, especially where some might be omitted.
What is a Polysyndeton?
A figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole or vice versa.
What is a Synecdoche?
A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.
A mild or indirect expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt.
What is Euphemism?