Literary Devices PDF

1. Flashback A flashback is a scene in a story that takes the narrative back in time from the current point in the story. It’s used to provide background or context to the main events. ​ Example: In The Great Gatsby, we learn about Gatsby's past through flashbacks. 2. Simile A simile is a fig...

1. Flashback A flashback is a scene in a story that takes the narrative back in time from the current point in the story. It’s used to provide background or context to the main events. ​ Example: In The Great Gatsby, we learn about Gatsby's past through flashbacks. 2. Simile A simile is a figure of speech that directly compares two things using the words "like" or "as." ​ Example: "Her smile was as bright as the sun." 3. Metaphor A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things by saying one is the other, without using "like" or "as." ​ Example: "Time is a thief." 4. Situational Irony Situational irony occurs when there is a discrepancy between what is expected to happen and what actually happens. ​ Example: A fire station burns down. 5. Foreshadowing Foreshadowing is a literary device where hints or clues are given about what will happen later in the story. ​ Example: In Romeo and Juliet, the repeated references to death foreshadow the tragic ending. 6. Imagery Imagery involves using descriptive language that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste) to create vivid pictures in the reader’s mind. ​ Example: "The fresh, juicy apple glistened in the sunlight, its sweetness filling the air." 7. Personification Personification is when non-human objects or abstract concepts are given human characteristics. ​ Example: "The wind whispered through the trees." 8. Motif A motif is a recurring element, idea, or theme in a story or work of literature that has symbolic significance. ​ Example: The motif of light and dark in Romeo and Juliet (light symbolizes love, darkness symbolizes danger). 9. Pathetic Fallacy Pathetic fallacy is a type of personification where human emotions or characteristics are attributed to nature or inanimate objects, often to reflect the emotional state of characters. ​ Example: In Wuthering Heights, the stormy weather often reflects the tumultuous emotions of the characters. 10. Oxymoron An oxymoron is a figure of speech where two contradictory terms are combined to create a paradoxical effect.  ​ Example: "Deafening silence." 11. Symbol A symbol is an object, character, or event that represents a larger idea or concept beyond its literal meaning. ​ Example: In The Great Gatsby, the green light symbolizes Gatsby’s unattainable dreams. 12. Dramatic Irony Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows something that the characters in the story do not, creating tension or humor. 13. Hyperbole Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement or claim not meant to be taken literally, used for emphasis or effect. ​ Example: "I’ve told you a million times." 14. Allusion An allusion is a reference to another work of literature, person, place, or event, often from history or mythology. ​ Example: "He was a real Romeo with the ladies." (Reference to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet) 15. Pathos Pathos is an appeal to the audience’s emotions, intended to evoke feelings of pity, sympathy, or sorrow. ​ Example: A commercial showing sad images of abandoned animals to stir sympathy for adoption. 17. Symbolism Symbolism refers to the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities beyond their literal meaning. ​ Example: The raven in Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven" symbolizes death and the supernatural. 18. Mood Mood refers to the atmosphere or emotional tone of a story, created through setting, imagery, dialogue, and description. It affects the reader’s emotional response. ​ Example: The mood of Frankenstein is dark, ominous, and foreboding. 19. Tone Tone is the author’s attitude toward the subject, characters, or audience, conveyed through word choice and writing style. ​ Example: The tone of Pride and Prejudice is ironic and satirical.