Point of View
"I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the enormous dragon perched on top of the school. My hands shook as I reached for my phone to call for help."
What is the POV?
First Person POV
His eyes and the end of his restless nose were pink. He could scratch himself anywhere he pleased with any leg, front or back, that he chose to use. He could fluff up his tail till it looked like a bottle brush…"
Simile
This literary device refers to the author's attitude toward the subject, characters, or audience.
Tone
"Rikki-tikki was thoroughly enjoying himself. That night at dinner, walking to and fro among the wine-glasses on the table, he might have stuffed himself three times over with nice things."
Cheerful/Playful/Happy
"You walk into the abandoned house, your heart pounding. The floorboards creak beneath your feet, and you can't shake the feeling that someone—or something—is watching you."
What is the POV?
Second Person POV
"Angry as he was, Rikki-tikki was very frightened as he saw the size of the big cobra. Nag coiled himself up, raised his head, and looked into the bathroom in the dark, and Rikki could see his eyes glitter."
Imagery
This narrative technique involves telling a story from a particular perspective, such as first-person, third-person limited, or omniscient
Point of View
"Nagaina spun clear round, forgetting everything for the sake of the one egg. Rikki-tikki saw Teddy's father shoot out a big hand, catch Teddy by the shoulder, and drag him across the little table with the tea-cups, safe and out of reach of Nagaina."
Tense/Urgent
"Sarah gazed out the window, lost in thought. She wondered if John would ever forgive her for what she'd done. Little did she know, John was planning a surprise to show her that all was forgiven."
What is the POV?
Third Person Omniscient
"When the cobra runs for her life, she goes like a whip-lash flicked across a horse's neck."
Metaphor
This term describes language that uses figures of speech to be more effective, persuasive, or impactful, often through comparisons or exaggerations
Figurative Language
"'It is all over,' he said. 'The widow will never come out again.' And the red ants that live between the grass stems heard him, and began to troop down one after another to see if he had spoken the truth."
Triumphant/Victorious/Winning
"The old man shuffled down the street, his cane tapping a steady rhythm on the sidewalk. He squinted at the street signs, trying to remember which way led to the park. A group of teenagers passed by, laughing and chatting, oblivious to his confusion."
What is the POV?Third Person Limited
"Rikki-tikki looked down between the boy's collar and neck, snuffed at his ear, and climbed down to the floor, where he sat rubbing his nose."
Personification
This literary technique involves making a brief reference to a person, place, event, or other work of art that the author assumes the reader will recognize
Allusion
"Teddy's mother (she looked very white still, for she had been fainting) and Teddy's father came out and almost cried over him; and that night he ate all that was given him till he could eat no more, and went to bed on Teddy's shoulder."
Relieved/Grateful/Thankful
"I never thought I'd see the day when dragons ruled the skies. Yet here I am, staring up at the majestic creatures soaring overhead.
Eliza watched the newcomer with suspicion. Who was this person, and why did they seem so fascinated by the dragons? She'd have to keep a close eye on them."
What is the POV?
Shift in POV from 1st person to third person limited
"Then he began to jump up and down, all four feet together, his head close to the floor. 'He threw me to and fro, but he could not shake me off. He was dead before the big man blew him in two. I did it!'"
Hyperbole
This storytelling device refers to a narrator whose credibility is compromised, either intentionally or unintentionally
Unreliable narrator
"'Oh, it's you,' said he. 'What are you bothering for? All the cobras are dead. And if they weren't, I'm here.' Rikki-tikki had a right to be proud of himself. But he did not grow too proud, and he kept that garden as a mongoose should keep it, with tooth and jump and spring and bite, till never a cobra dared show its head inside the walls."
Confident/Protective