Example(s) from set texts (give page or

Term or Device Definition (from literary-devices.com) Effects created: line numbers where possible)

An antithesis is used when the writer employs two creates a balance between opposite qualities
Antithesis sentences of contrasting meanings in close proximity creates a vivid picture
to one another. lends a greater insight into the subject

An archetype is a reference to a concept, a person or uses a well-known person, object, or concept to

an object that has served as a prototype of its kind create a clear description
Archetype and is the original idea that has come to be used
over and over again. (ex Romeo and Juliet to mean sometimes
**can become
used in characterization
over-used**
lovers that can never be together)

establishes a relationship between the writer and the

The author penning the story, poem or prose steps reader
Authorial Intrusion away from the text and speaks out to the reader. actively involves the reader in the story
can be used to create dramatic irony

Circumlocution is a form of writing where the writer

uses exaggeratedly long and complex sentences in makes the reader guess at the meaning
Circumlocution order to convey a meaning that could have otherwise slows down the reader
been conveyed through a shorter, much simpler can create confusion
sentence.

The literary practice of using a comparatively milder

or less abrasive form of a negative description
Euphemism instead of its original, unsympathetic form. (ex
‘golden years’ instead of ‘old age’)
reduces the harshness of unpleasant or
embarrassing situations
can create exaggeration or satire

The use of indicative words or phrases and hints that creates suspense
Foreshadowing set the stage for a story to unfold and give the reader suggests a possible ending or event
a hint of something that is going to happen. shouldn’t give away any spoilers

The author uses specific words and phrases that

exaggerate and overemphasize the basic point of the overly stresses/emphasizes a point
Hyperbole statement in order to produce a grander, more creates a larger-than-life effect
noticeable effect. can sometimes be humorous
 The author uses words and phrases to create helps the reader visualize the writing
Imagery “mental images” for the reader. Imagery is created by should appeal to multiple senses
metaphors, allusions, descriptive words, similes, etc. critically important in literature

The reader/audience is aware of something that the creates suspense

Irony (dramatic) character doesn’t know. builds tension
can be used to foreshadow

A situation/event is the complete opposite of what surprises or shocks the reader

Irony (situational) was expected.
keeps the reader alert
can create humour

When someone says the opposite of what they can create humour
Irony (verbal) actually mean. Sarcasm is a type of verbal irony that helps with characterization
includes attitude or meanness. **is sometimes difficult to show in writing**

The practice of misusing words by substituting words
with similar sounding words that have different, often
Malapropism unconnected meanings. (ex using ‘affluence’ instead
of ‘influence’ or ‘crushed Asians’ instead of
‘crustaceans’)
can help with characterization (shows lower
intelligence, or difficulty with language)
can show a character’s state of mind (flustered,
bothered, confused)
creates humour

One subject is implied to be another so as to draw a

comparison between their similarities and shared shows a strong comparison
Metaphor traits. A metaphor does not use ‘like’ or ‘as’ when helps with characterization and setting (imagery)
very important and common in literature
making the comparison.

A definitive stance the author adopts in shaping a

specific emotional perspective towards the subject of evokes specific, appropriate responses from the
the literary work. It refers to the mental and
Mood emotional disposition of the author towards the reader
subject, which in turn lends a particular character or helps form the overall theme of the text
atmosphere to the work.
 Any element, subject, idea or concept that is
constantly present through the entire body of
Motif literature. Using a motif refers to the repetition of a
specific theme dominating the literary work. Motifs
are often based from archetypes.
defines the nature of the story and the course of
events
vital to establishing the theme of a text

A situation of poetic justice wherein the positive

characters are rewarded and the negative characters necessary for certain themes, motifs, and moods
Nemesis are penalized. Nemesis can also refer to the directs the course of events in a text
character that brings justice to the antagonist. can be useful for character development

Words whose sound is very close to the sound they

Onomatopoeia are meant to depict.
creates a stronger mental image (imagery)

A phrase that uses contradictory, contrasting

concepts/words placed together in a manner that explores different levels of meaning
Oxymoron actually ends up making sense in a strange, and assists with imagery
slightly complex manner. (ex bittersweet, living dead, shows a deeper truth
small crowd, virtual reality)

The practice of attaching human traits and helps establish setting and characterization
Personification characteristics with inanimate objects, phenomena
creates imagery
and animals.

A word is used in a manner to suggest two or more

possible meanings. (ex ‘The grammarian was very creates humour and/or satire
Puns logical. He had a lot of comma sense.’ or ‘New Study can sometimes be accidental
of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group’)

can be humorous
The practice of making fun of a human weakness or meant to give the reader a negative opinion about
Satire character flaw. the target
**can be misunderstood and taken seriously**
 The practice of drawing parallels or comparisons
between two unrelated and dissimilar things, people, makes meaning clearer
Simile beings, places and concepts. Similes use ‘like’ or ‘as’ creates imagery
**can become cliches**
when making a comparison.

The intense feeling that an audience goes through keeps the readers interested
Suspense while waiting for the outcome of certain events. can be created by foreshadowing

A symbol contains several layers of meaning, often

concealed at first sight, and is representative of
several other aspects, concepts or traits than those helps create themes and motifs
Symbol often used in satire and poetry
that are visible in the literal translation alone. Symbol can be found in most literary texts
is using an object or action that means something
more than its literal meaning.

The depiction of a strong connection, link or bond

enhances description and imagery
Synesthesia between the different senses. (ex ‘salad tastes very useful in poetry
green’ or ‘a sweet sound’)

The base that acts as a foundation for the entire
literary piece. The theme links all aspects of the
Theme literary work with one another and is basically the
main subject. A text can have a main theme as well
as many smaller themes.
keeps the whole text together and coherent
can fit a certain archetype
created through the events, symbolism, character
development, etc.

The perspective or attitude that the author adopts

with regards to a specific character, place or contributes to the mood of a text
Tone development. Tone can portray a variety of emotions shows the author’s viewpoint/opinion of the theme
ranging from solemn, grave, and critical to witty, wry
and humorous.

The practice of drawing attention to a fact that is

already obvious and noticeable. Understating a fact creates humor
Understatement is usually done by way of sarcasm, irony, wryness or focuses the reader on a certain point
any other form of dry humor.