Literary Terms Flashcards

Literary Devices and Terms

• Allusion: A reference to another literary work, person, or historical event, enriching the text's meaning through context.

• Appositive: A noun or noun phrase that clarifies or adds detail to another noun, enhancing understanding of the subject.

• Flashback: A narrative technique that interrupts the chronological flow of the story to reveal events that occurred earlier, providing context for current situations.

• Foreshadowing: A literary device that hints at future events, creating anticipation and preparing the reader for what is to come.

• Imagery: Vivid descriptions that engage the senses—sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste—allowing readers to visualize and experience the narrative intimately.

• Inferences: Logical conclusions drawn from available evidence and reasoning, helping readers to interpret and understand underlying meanings and themes.

• Irony: A literary technique showcasing a discrepancy between expectations and reality, often leading to humor or poignant moments.

• Mood: The emotional atmosphere created by a text, influencing how readers feel while engaging with the narrative.

• Pun: A humorous play on words that exploits multiple meanings or similar sounds, often used for comedic effect.

• Rhyme: The repetition of similar sounds at the ends of words, commonly used in poetry to create rhythm, musicality, and cohesion.

• Rhythm: A patterned repetition of beats or sounds in language that creates a sense of movement and flow, adding musical quality to the text.

• Repetition: The deliberate use of words, phrases, or ideas multiple times to emphasize points and enhance the emotional impact of the text.

• Symbolism: The use of symbols to represent ideas or concepts, allowing for deeper meanings and connections within the text.

• Tone: The author's attitude or perspective toward the subject matter, conveyed through word choice and style, influencing the reader's interpretation.

• Topic: The main subject or theme around which the text revolves, providing a focal point for the narrative.

• Theme: The central idea or underlying message of the literary work, often reflecting broader societal, moral, or philosophical issues.

• Thesis: The primary argument or stance taken by the writer or speaker, guiding the direction of the text and establishing its purpose.