88
5 Literary 5 Literary Devices Devices _______________ _______________ _ _

5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Page 1: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

5 Literary 5 Literary DevicesDevices

________________________________

Page 2: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

Your review term:Your review term:

________________________________

Page 3: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

ad hominemad hominem

Latin for Latin for ""against the man.against the man."" Attacking the person instead of the Attacking the person instead of the

argument proposed by that individual.argument proposed by that individual. An argument directed to the personality, An argument directed to the personality,

prejudices, previous words and actions of prejudices, previous words and actions of an opponent rather than an appeal to pure an opponent rather than an appeal to pure reason.reason.

Example: Example: ""Rush Limbaugh is a big fat Rush Limbaugh is a big fat idiot,idiot,"" writes left-wing comedian Al writes left-wing comedian Al Franken.Franken.

Page 4: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

adverbial phrasesadverbial phrases

First, letFirst, let''s define an adverb: word s define an adverb: word that modifies a verb, verb form, that modifies a verb, verb form, adjective or another adverb.adjective or another adverb.

Thus, an adverbial phrases is a group Thus, an adverbial phrases is a group of words that modifies, as a single of words that modifies, as a single unit, a verb, verb form, adjective or unit, a verb, verb form, adjective or another adverb.another adverb.

Example: He lost the first game Example: He lost the first game due due to carelessnessto carelessness. .

Page 5: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

allegoryallegory

A fiction or nonfiction narrative, in which A fiction or nonfiction narrative, in which characters, things, and events represent characters, things, and events represent qualities, moral values, or concepts.qualities, moral values, or concepts.

Playing out of the narrative is designed to Playing out of the narrative is designed to reveal an abstraction or truth.reveal an abstraction or truth.

Characters and other elements may be Characters and other elements may be symbolic of the ideas referred to in the symbolic of the ideas referred to in the allegory.allegory.

Example: Example: The Scarlet LetterThe Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel by Nathaniel HawthorneHawthorne

Page 6: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

allusionallusion

A reference, explicit or indirect, to a A reference, explicit or indirect, to a person, place, or event, or to another person, place, or event, or to another literary work or passage. literary work or passage.

Generally speaking, the writer assumes Generally speaking, the writer assumes the educated reader will recognize the the educated reader will recognize the reference. reference.

Often humorous, but not always. Often humorous, but not always. Establishes a connection between writer Establishes a connection between writer

and reader, or to make a subtle point.and reader, or to make a subtle point. Example: Example: ""In gulfs enchanted, where the In gulfs enchanted, where the

Siren Siren sings.sings.""

Page 7: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

analogyanalogy A comparison to a directly parallel case, arguing A comparison to a directly parallel case, arguing

that a claim reasonable for one case is that a claim reasonable for one case is reasonable for the analogous case.reasonable for the analogous case.

A comparison made between two things that A comparison made between two things that may initially seem to have little in common but may initially seem to have little in common but can offer fresh insights when compared. can offer fresh insights when compared.

Used for illustration and/or argument. Used for illustration and/or argument. Example: Example: ""We advance in years somewhat in We advance in years somewhat in

the manner of an invading army in a barren the manner of an invading army in a barren land; the age that we have reached, as the land; the age that we have reached, as the phrase goes, we but hold with an outpost, and phrase goes, we but hold with an outpost, and still keep open our communications with the still keep open our communications with the extreme rear and first beginnings of the march.extreme rear and first beginnings of the march.""

– – Robert Louis Stevenson, Robert Louis Stevenson, ""On Marriage.On Marriage.""

Page 8: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

anaphoraanaphora Repetition of a word, phrase or clause at the Repetition of a word, phrase or clause at the

beginning of two or more sentences in a row.beginning of two or more sentences in a row. Deliberate form of repetition to reinforce Deliberate form of repetition to reinforce

point or to make it more coherent.point or to make it more coherent. Example: In the Example: In the Declaration of Declaration of

IndependenceIndependence, Thomas Jefferson places the , Thomas Jefferson places the subject, subject, ""He,He,"" at the beginning of twenty at the beginning of twenty accusations in a row, each as a single accusations in a row, each as a single paragraph, to put the weight of paragraph, to put the weight of responsibility for the problems with King responsibility for the problems with King George III, whom Jefferson refers to in the George III, whom Jefferson refers to in the third person. third person.

Page 9: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

anecdoteanecdote

A brief recounting of a relevant A brief recounting of a relevant episode.episode.

Used in fiction and nonfiction.Used in fiction and nonfiction. Develops point or injects humor.Develops point or injects humor. Commonly used as an illustration for an Commonly used as an illustration for an

abstract point being made.abstract point being made. Example: Mark Twain is famous for his Example: Mark Twain is famous for his

short anecdotes about growing up in short anecdotes about growing up in Missouri intertwined with humor and an Missouri intertwined with humor and an abstract truth about human nature.abstract truth about human nature.

Page 10: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

anticlimaxanticlimax

In writing, denotes a writerIn writing, denotes a writer ''s s intentional drop from the serious and intentional drop from the serious and elevated to the trivial and lowly, in elevated to the trivial and lowly, in order to achieve a comic or satiric order to achieve a comic or satiric effect.effect.

An event (as at the end of a series) An event (as at the end of a series) that is strikingly less important than that is strikingly less important than what has preceded it.what has preceded it.

The transition towards this ending. The transition towards this ending.

Page 11: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

antithesisantithesis A balancing of two opposite or contrasting A balancing of two opposite or contrasting

words, phrases or clauses.words, phrases or clauses. Example: Example: "". . .one seeing more where the . . .one seeing more where the

other sees less, one seeing black where other sees less, one seeing black where the other sees white, one seeing big where the other sees white, one seeing big where the other sees small. . . .the other sees small. . . .""

Example: ShakespeareExample: Shakespeare''s s MacbethMacbeth, Act I, , Act I, Scene I, Line 11: Scene I, Line 11: ""Fair is foul and foul is Fair is foul and foul is fair.fair.""

Oxymoron: rhetorical antithesis, Oxymoron: rhetorical antithesis, juxtaposing two contradictory terms like juxtaposing two contradictory terms like ""wise foolwise fool"" or or ""eloquent silent.eloquent silent.""

Page 12: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

appositiveappositive Nonessential word groups (phrases and clauses) Nonessential word groups (phrases and clauses)

that follow nouns and identify or explain them.that follow nouns and identify or explain them. Example: My aunt, Example: My aunt, who lives in Montanawho lives in Montana, is taking , is taking

surfing lessons in Hawaii.surfing lessons in Hawaii. The sentence above is a The sentence above is a ""nonrestrictive clause,nonrestrictive clause,""

because it is not necessary to the meaning of the because it is not necessary to the meaning of the sentence and it can easily be put in another sentence and it can easily be put in another sentence and still make sense. Thus, it is set off by sentence and still make sense. Thus, it is set off by commas.commas.

A restrictive clause also follows a noun but is A restrictive clause also follows a noun but is necessary to the meaning of the sentence. It necessary to the meaning of the sentence. It is notis not an appositive. Thus, no commas. an appositive. Thus, no commas. ""ThatThat"" always always signals restrictive.signals restrictive.

Example: People Example: People who can speak more than one who can speak more than one language arelanguage are multilingual. multilingual.

Example: Please repair all the windows Example: Please repair all the windows that are that are brokenbroken..

Page 13: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

archetypearchetype Meaning: model, example, standard, original, classic.Meaning: model, example, standard, original, classic. Elemental patterns of ritual, mythology and folklore Elemental patterns of ritual, mythology and folklore

that recur in the legends, ceremonies and stories of the that recur in the legends, ceremonies and stories of the most diverse cultures.most diverse cultures.

In literature, applies to narrative designs, character In literature, applies to narrative designs, character types, or images which are said to be identifiable in a types, or images which are said to be identifiable in a wide variety of works of literature, as well as myths, wide variety of works of literature, as well as myths, and even ritualized modes of social behavior.and even ritualized modes of social behavior.

Example: Over 300 different versions of the Cinderella Example: Over 300 different versions of the Cinderella tale exist from around the world, and all of them have tale exist from around the world, and all of them have certain archetypal characteristics: wicked step-mother, certain archetypal characteristics: wicked step-mother, mean sisters, handsome prince who rescues the girl. mean sisters, handsome prince who rescues the girl. These common characteristics are qualities that strike These common characteristics are qualities that strike a strong emotional reaction in all who own the story.a strong emotional reaction in all who own the story.

Page 14: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

assonanceassonance

Repetition of a vowel sound within two or Repetition of a vowel sound within two or more words, usually with different more words, usually with different consonant sounds either before or after consonant sounds either before or after the same vowel sounds.the same vowel sounds.

Example: Example: ""Once upon a midnight Once upon a midnight drearydreary, , while I pondered, while I pondered, weakweak and and weary,weary,"" Edgar Edgar Allan PoeAllan Poe''s s ""The Raven.The Raven.""

Example: Example: ""Thou foster child of silence and Thou foster child of silence and slow time,slow time,"" John Keat John Keat''s s ""Ode on a Grecian Ode on a Grecian Urn.Urn.""

Page 15: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

asyndetonasyndeton

Sentence where commas are used Sentence where commas are used with no conjunctions to separate a with no conjunctions to separate a series of words.series of words.

Gives equal weight to each part.Gives equal weight to each part. Speeds up the flow of the sentence.Speeds up the flow of the sentence. Formula: X, Y, Z. As opposed to X, Y, Formula: X, Y, Z. As opposed to X, Y,

and Z.and Z. See See polysyndetonpolysyndeton for variation. for variation.

Page 16: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

bathosbathos

Noun.Noun. Etymology: Greek.Etymology: Greek. A sudden drop from the sublime or A sudden drop from the sublime or

elevated to the ludicrous.elevated to the ludicrous. An anticlimax.An anticlimax. Example: Within the last decade, the Example: Within the last decade, the

Catholic community in North America has Catholic community in North America has faced its greatest bathos as they wrestle faced its greatest bathos as they wrestle with the dozens of arrests and convictions with the dozens of arrests and convictions of priests for child molestation.of priests for child molestation.

Page 17: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

bombastbombast Originally meant Originally meant ""cotton stuffing.cotton stuffing."" Adopted to signify verbose and inflated Adopted to signify verbose and inflated

diction that is disproportionate to the diction that is disproportionate to the matter it expresses.matter it expresses.

Popular with the heroic drama of the late Popular with the heroic drama of the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries.seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries.

Although a century after the height of this Although a century after the height of this style, James Fenimore Cooperstyle, James Fenimore Cooper''s s Leatherstocking SagasLeatherstocking Sagas ( (Last of the Last of the MohicansMohicans for example) are typical of for example) are typical of bombastic speeches.bombastic speeches.

Page 18: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

bowdlerizebowdlerize

Named after Thomas Bowdler, who Named after Thomas Bowdler, who tidied up his tidied up his Family ShakespeareFamily Shakespeare in in 1815 by omitting whatever is unfit to 1815 by omitting whatever is unfit to be read by a gentleman in the be read by a gentleman in the presence of a lady.presence of a lady.

Means to expurgate from a work any Means to expurgate from a work any passages considered indecent or passages considered indecent or indelicate.indelicate.

High school and some college texts High school and some college texts are guilty of this censuring. are guilty of this censuring.

Page 19: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

chiasmuschiasmus

Arrangement of repeated thoughts in Arrangement of repeated thoughts in the pattern of X Y Y X.the pattern of X Y Y X.

Usually short and summarizes the Usually short and summarizes the main idea.main idea.

Example: From YeatsExample: From Yeats'' ""An Irish Airman An Irish Airman Foresees His Death,Foresees His Death,"" the poet writes: the poet writes:

""The years to come seemed waste of The years to come seemed waste of breath, breath,

A waste of breath the years behind.A waste of breath the years behind.""

Page 20: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

coin a verbcoin a verb This is not a literary term, but it confused more This is not a literary term, but it confused more

than one student. So, I am including it here.than one student. So, I am including it here. coincoin (intransitive verb) means (intransitive verb) means ""to invent.to invent."" Thus, to Thus, to ""coin a verbcoin a verb"" is to is to ""invent a verb.invent a verb."" Shakespeare Shakespeare ""coinedcoined"" more than 1,700 words by more than 1,700 words by

changing nouns to verbs, making verbs adjectives, changing nouns to verbs, making verbs adjectives, making new combination of words paired together, making new combination of words paired together, etc.etc.

Example: Example: Olivia: Olivia: ""There lies your way, due west.There lies your way, due west.""Viola:Viola: ""Then westward ho!Then westward ho!""

From ShakespeareFrom Shakespeare ''s s Twelfth NightTwelfth Night, Act III, Scene I, Line 135., Act III, Scene I, Line 135. Some words Shakespeare coined: advertising, Some words Shakespeare coined: advertising,

alligator, anchovy, countless, gust, investment, alligator, anchovy, countless, gust, investment, obscene, puke, puppy dog, tranquil, zany.obscene, puke, puppy dog, tranquil, zany.

Page 21: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

common knowledgecommon knowledge

Shared beliefs or assumptions Shared beliefs or assumptions between the reader and the audience.between the reader and the audience.

Used to argue that if something is Used to argue that if something is widely believed, readers should widely believed, readers should accept it.accept it.

A self-evident, obvious truth, A self-evident, obvious truth, especially one too obvious to mention especially one too obvious to mention is a is a truismtruism..

Page 22: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

consonanceconsonance Repetition of a consonant sound within two Repetition of a consonant sound within two

or more words in close proximity.or more words in close proximity. Sometimes refers to repetition of consonant Sometimes refers to repetition of consonant

sounds in the middle or at the end of words.sounds in the middle or at the end of words. Example: Example: ""And And allall the air a the air a solemn stillnesssolemn stillness

holdsholds.."" from Thomas Gray from Thomas Gray''s s ""Elegy Written Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard.in a Country Churchyard.""

Sometimes refers to Sometimes refers to slant rhymeslant rhyme or or partial partial rhymerhyme: Initial and final consonants are the : Initial and final consonants are the same but the vowels are different.same but the vowels are different.

Example: Example: litterlitter and and letterletter, or , or greengreen and and groangroan..

Page 23: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

conventionalconventional

Following certain conventions, or Following certain conventions, or traditional techniques of writing. traditional techniques of writing.

Over-reliance on conventions may Over-reliance on conventions may result in a lack of originality.result in a lack of originality.

Example: Five-paragraph theme is a Example: Five-paragraph theme is a conventionalconventional format of argument. format of argument.

Page 24: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

deconstructiondeconstruction

A critical approach that debunks A critical approach that debunks single definitions of meaning based single definitions of meaning based upon the instability of language.upon the instability of language.

Deconstructionist: reexamines Deconstructionist: reexamines literary conventions in light of the literary conventions in light of the belief that because of the instability belief that because of the instability of language, the text has already of language, the text has already dismantled itself.dismantled itself.

Page 25: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

diatribediatribe

From Latin From Latin diatribadiatriba meaning meaning ""to spend to spend time,time,"" or or ""to wear away.to wear away.""

Archaic meaning: a prolonged discourse.Archaic meaning: a prolonged discourse. A bitter and abusive speech or writing.A bitter and abusive speech or writing. Ironical or satirical criticism.Ironical or satirical criticism. Example: The challenging candidate Example: The challenging candidate

shouted his diatribe against the incumbent shouted his diatribe against the incumbent platform to several thousand supporters in platform to several thousand supporters in attendance.attendance.

Page 26: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

dictiondiction

Means Means ""word choice.word choice."" Refers to word choice as a reflection of Refers to word choice as a reflection of

style.style. Different types and arrangements of Different types and arrangements of

words have significant effects on words have significant effects on meaning.meaning.

Purpose, tone, point of view, persona, Purpose, tone, point of view, persona, verve, color, all are affected by verve, color, all are affected by diction.diction.

Page 27: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

didacticdidactic Fiction or nonfiction that teaches a specific Fiction or nonfiction that teaches a specific

lesson or moral or provides a model of lesson or moral or provides a model of correct behavior or thinking.correct behavior or thinking.

Designed to expound a branch of Designed to expound a branch of theoretical, moral, or practical knowledge, theoretical, moral, or practical knowledge, or else to instantiate, in an impressive and or else to instantiate, in an impressive and persuasive imaginative or fictional form, a persuasive imaginative or fictional form, a moral, religious, or philosophical theme or moral, religious, or philosophical theme or doctrine.doctrine.

Example: Example: ""On the Nature of ThingsOn the Nature of Things"" by by Lucretius; Lucretius; ""Essay on ManEssay on Man"" by Pope; by Pope; ""Faerie Faerie QueeneQueene"" by Spencer; by Spencer; ""The PilgrimThe Pilgrim''s s ProgressProgress"" by Bunyan. by Bunyan.

Page 28: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

double entendre double entendre

A corruption of a French phrase A corruption of a French phrase meaning "double meaning." meaning "double meaning."

The term is used to indicate a word The term is used to indicate a word or phrase that is deliberately or phrase that is deliberately ambiguous, especially when one of ambiguous, especially when one of the meanings is risqué or improper.the meanings is risqué or improper.

Example: The Elizabethan usage of Example: The Elizabethan usage of the verb "die," which refers both to the verb "die," which refers both to death and to orgasm.death and to orgasm.

Page 29: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

either-or reasoningeither-or reasoning

Reducing an argument or issue to Reducing an argument or issue to two polar opposites and ignoring any two polar opposites and ignoring any alternatives.alternatives.

Page 30: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

emotional appealemotional appeal

Appealing to the emotions of the Appealing to the emotions of the reader in order to excite and involve reader in order to excite and involve them in the argument.them in the argument.

Makes use of Makes use of pathospathos: the quality in : the quality in an experience, narrative, literary an experience, narrative, literary work, etc., which arouses profound work, etc., which arouses profound feelings of compassion or sorrow.feelings of compassion or sorrow.

PathosPathos is Greek for is Greek for ""suffering.suffering.""

Page 31: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

epic simileepic simile Formal and sustained similes that are developed Formal and sustained similes that are developed

far beyond its specific points of parallel to the far beyond its specific points of parallel to the primary subject.primary subject.

Primary subject is called Primary subject is called ""tenor.tenor."" Secondary subject (the simile) is called Secondary subject (the simile) is called ""vehicle.vehicle."" Homer (Homer (IliadIliad and and OdysseyOdyssey) invented the ) invented the

technique; Virgil, Milton and other epic writers technique; Virgil, Milton and other epic writers copied the style.copied the style.

Example: Milton in Example: Milton in Paradise Lost IParadise Lost I, lines 768-76 , lines 768-76 describes the fallen angels (tenor) thronging describes the fallen angels (tenor) thronging towards their newly built palace of Pandemonium towards their newly built palace of Pandemonium by an elaborate comparison to swarming of bees by an elaborate comparison to swarming of bees (vehicle) that lasts an entire stanza.(vehicle) that lasts an entire stanza.

Page 32: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

epigraphepigraph

A quotation or aphorism at the A quotation or aphorism at the beginning of a literary work beginning of a literary work suggestive of the theme of the fiction suggestive of the theme of the fiction or nonfiction text.or nonfiction text.

An An aphorismaphorism is a short clever saying is a short clever saying parting truth. Example: parting truth. Example: ""waste not, waste not, want not.want not.""

Page 33: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

epigramepigram Originally in Greek meant Originally in Greek meant ""an inscription.an inscription."" Extended to encompass a very short poem Extended to encompass a very short poem

whether amorous (sexual love), elegiac (longing whether amorous (sexual love), elegiac (longing for the past), meditative (contemplative), for the past), meditative (contemplative), anecdotal (description, story, episode), or satiric anecdotal (description, story, episode), or satiric (witty, sarcasm).(witty, sarcasm).

Poem is polished, condensed, and pointed, often Poem is polished, condensed, and pointed, often with a witty end.with a witty end.

In his epigram In his epigram ""On a Volunteer SingerOn a Volunteer Singer"" Coleridge Coleridge explains:explains:

Swans sing before they die—Swans sing before they die— ''twere no bad twere no bad thingthing

Should certain people die before they sing!Should certain people die before they sing!

Page 34: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

epiphanyepiphany

Literally means Literally means ""a manifestation.a manifestation."" Traditionally, Christianity used the word to Traditionally, Christianity used the word to

signify a manifestation of Godsignify a manifestation of God ''s presence s presence in the world.in the world.

Irishman James Joyce, in Irishman James Joyce, in A Portrait of the A Portrait of the Artist as a Young ManArtist as a Young Man, first adapted the , first adapted the word to a secular meaning: a sudden word to a secular meaning: a sudden radiance and revelation while observing a radiance and revelation while observing a commonplace object. commonplace object.

Joyce replaced what earlier writers had Joyce replaced what earlier writers had called called ""the moment,the moment,"" an instance or an instance or moment of revelation.moment of revelation.

Page 35: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

equivoqueequivoque

Special type of pun that makes use of a Special type of pun that makes use of a single word or phrase which has two single word or phrase which has two disparate meanings, in a context which disparate meanings, in a context which makes both meanings equally relevant.makes both meanings equally relevant.

The art of writing this pun is The art of writing this pun is equivocationequivocation.. As an example, an epitaph for a bank As an example, an epitaph for a bank

teller might read:teller might read:He checked his cash, cashed in his He checked his cash, cashed in his checks,checks,And left his window. Who is next?And left his window. Who is next?

Page 36: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

ethical appealethical appeal

When a writer tries to persuade the When a writer tries to persuade the audience to respect him or her based audience to respect him or her based upon a presentation of self through upon a presentation of self through the text.the text.

Reputation of the author is often a Reputation of the author is often a factor in ethical appeals.factor in ethical appeals.

Regardless of the topic or over-all Regardless of the topic or over-all purpose of the essay, the ethical purpose of the essay, the ethical appeal is always done to gain the appeal is always done to gain the audienceaudience''s confidence.s confidence.

Page 37: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

ethosethos

Etymology: Greek.Etymology: Greek. A personA person''s character or disposition.s character or disposition. The characteristic spirit or prevalent tone of The characteristic spirit or prevalent tone of

a people or a community.a people or a community. The essential identity of an institution or The essential identity of an institution or

system.system. Ideal excellence; nobler than reality.Ideal excellence; nobler than reality. Example: Example: ""The real is preferred to the ideal, The real is preferred to the ideal,

transient emotions to permanent transient emotions to permanent lineaments, pathos to ethos.lineaments, pathos to ethos.""

Page 38: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

euphemismeuphemism

Originally in Greek meant Originally in Greek meant ""to speak well.to speak well."" Has come to mean: to speak well in the Has come to mean: to speak well in the

place of the blunt, disagreeable, terrifying place of the blunt, disagreeable, terrifying or offensive term.or offensive term.

Example: death becomes Example: death becomes ""to pass away.to pass away."" Example: Example: ""Damn itDamn it"" becomes becomes ""Darn it!Darn it!"" Example: Victorians first used Example: Victorians first used ""limblimb"" for for

leg or leg or ""privatesprivates"" for sexual organs. for sexual organs.

Page 39: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

expositionexposition

Background information provided by Background information provided by author to enhance the audienceauthor to enhance the audience ''s s understanding of the context of a understanding of the context of a fiction or nonfiction story.fiction or nonfiction story.

Example: Robert Louis Stevenson Example: Robert Louis Stevenson gives the reader plenty of cultural gives the reader plenty of cultural background on the small seaside background on the small seaside village of his youth in hopes the village of his youth in hopes the audience will better appreciate the audience will better appreciate the context of context of ""The Lantern-Bearers.The Lantern-Bearers.""

Page 40: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

freight-trainfreight-train

Sentence consisting three or more Sentence consisting three or more very short independent clauses very short independent clauses joined by conjunctions.joined by conjunctions.

Page 41: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

hyperbolehyperbole Originally in Greek meant Originally in Greek meant ""overshooting.overshooting."" A bold overstatement or extravagant expression of A bold overstatement or extravagant expression of

fact, used for serious or comic effect.fact, used for serious or comic effect. Easily recognized as exaggeration for effect.Easily recognized as exaggeration for effect. Example: There must have been ten million people Example: There must have been ten million people

at our Wal-Mart on the day after Thanksgiving.at our Wal-Mart on the day after Thanksgiving. Or, ShakespeareOr, Shakespeare ''s, s, OthelloOthello, Act III, Scene III, Lines , Act III, Scene III, Lines

330-33 reads:330-33 reads: Not poppy nor mandragora,Not poppy nor mandragora,

Nor all the drowsy syrups of the world,Nor all the drowsy syrups of the world,Shall ever medicine thee to that sweet sleepShall ever medicine thee to that sweet sleepWhich thou ow Which thou ow ''dst yesterday.dst yesterday.

Page 42: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

imageryimagery

Use of images, especially in a pattern Use of images, especially in a pattern of related images, often figurative, to of related images, often figurative, to create a strong, unified sensory create a strong, unified sensory impression.impression.

Use of sensory details to create Use of sensory details to create images that support the theme of the images that support the theme of the essay.essay.

Page 43: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

inversioninversion

Variation of the normal word order Variation of the normal word order (subject, verb, complement) which (subject, verb, complement) which puts the verb or complement at the puts the verb or complement at the head of the sentence.head of the sentence.

The sentence element appearing first The sentence element appearing first is emphasized more than the subject is emphasized more than the subject that is buried in the sentence.that is buried in the sentence.

Page 44: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

ironyirony Originated in Greek comedy with the Originated in Greek comedy with the

character character eironeiron, who was a , who was a ""dissembler.dissembler."" Appeared less intelligent than he was, spoke Appeared less intelligent than he was, spoke in understatement, and triumphed over the in understatement, and triumphed over the alazonalazon—the self-deceiving and stupid —the self-deceiving and stupid braggart.braggart.

Greek dramatist Sophocles developed the Greek dramatist Sophocles developed the ""tragictragic"" or or ""dramaticdramatic"" irony in his 100-plus irony in his 100-plus tragedies, including tragedies, including AntigoneAntigone and and Oedipus Oedipus RexRex. .

Four kinds of irony: verbal, structural, Four kinds of irony: verbal, structural, dramatic, and situational.dramatic, and situational.

Page 45: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

irony (verbal)irony (verbal) Verbal ironyVerbal irony: demands the most audience sophistication. : demands the most audience sophistication.

This requires This requires ""reading between the lines.reading between the lines."" Also, this irony takes the greatest risks with the audience Also, this irony takes the greatest risks with the audience

who might misinterpret what is irony and what is literal.who might misinterpret what is irony and what is literal. Might be simple reversal of literal meanings of words spoken Might be simple reversal of literal meanings of words spoken

or more complex, subtle, indirect and unobtrusive messages or more complex, subtle, indirect and unobtrusive messages that require the collection of hints from within the text.that require the collection of hints from within the text.

Compliments the intelligence of the reader, who, by Compliments the intelligence of the reader, who, by perceiving the irony, is in partnership with the author and perceiving the irony, is in partnership with the author and the minority of characters who understand, too.the minority of characters who understand, too.

Example: Example: ""It is truth universally acknowledged that a single It is truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wifewife"" (Jane Austen (Jane Austen Pride and Prejudice)Pride and Prejudice). The subtle irony is . The subtle irony is that a single woman is in want of a rich husband as that a single woman is in want of a rich husband as manifested by the evidence in the novel that follows this manifested by the evidence in the novel that follows this opening line.opening line.

Sarcasm: a type of verbal irony that is crude and blatant Sarcasm: a type of verbal irony that is crude and blatant praise or dispraise. Example: praise or dispraise. Example: ""Oh, youOh, you ''re Godre God''s great gift to s great gift to women, you are!women, you are!""

Page 46: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

irony (structural)irony (structural) Structural ironyStructural irony: some works show sustained : some works show sustained

irony throughout the text. irony throughout the text. Instead of using occasional verbal irony, the Instead of using occasional verbal irony, the

author introduces a structural feature which author introduces a structural feature which serves to sustain duplicity of meaning.serves to sustain duplicity of meaning.

Common device: naïve hero or naïve narrator.Common device: naïve hero or naïve narrator. Example: Jonathan SwiftExample: Jonathan Swift''s well-meaning but s well-meaning but

insanely rational economist who is the naïve insanely rational economist who is the naïve narrator in narrator in ""A Modest Proposal.A Modest Proposal."" The reader The reader perceives the irony of one who, though well perceives the irony of one who, though well meaning, proposes the conversion of the excess meaning, proposes the conversion of the excess children of the oppressed and poverty-stricken children of the oppressed and poverty-stricken Irish into financial and gastronomical assets.Irish into financial and gastronomical assets.

Page 47: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

irony (dramatic)irony (dramatic) Involves a situation in a play or narrative in Involves a situation in a play or narrative in

which the audience shares with the author which the audience shares with the author knowledge of which the character is knowledge of which the character is ignorant.ignorant.

The character expects the opposite of what The character expects the opposite of what is destined, or says something that is destined, or says something that anticipates the outcome, but not in a way anticipates the outcome, but not in a way that is meant when said.that is meant when said.

Example: In Example: In MacbethMacbeth, by Act I, Scene I, the , by Act I, Scene I, the audience knows that Macbeth and Lady audience knows that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth have already planned out Macbeth have already planned out DuncanDuncan''s murder—yet King Duncan never s murder—yet King Duncan never suspects that he is walking into a trap.suspects that he is walking into a trap.

Page 48: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

irony (situational) irony (situational) When the writer shows a discrepancy When the writer shows a discrepancy

between the expected results of some between the expected results of some action or situation and it actual results.action or situation and it actual results.

The work has a surprise ending, that, The work has a surprise ending, that, although a although a ""surprise,surprise,"" still fits the purpose, still fits the purpose, point of view, evidence and tone of the text.point of view, evidence and tone of the text.

Example: In Thomas HardyExample: In Thomas Hardy''s s ""The Three The Three Strangers,Strangers,"" it is a surprise to the characters it is a surprise to the characters and the audience when the two strangers at and the audience when the two strangers at the chimney corner turn out to be the the chimney corner turn out to be the hangman and his intended victim.hangman and his intended victim.

Page 49: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

litoteslitotes Noun.Noun. From Greek From Greek lítōtēslítōtēs for for ""plainplain"" or or ""simple.simple."" Assertion of an affirmative by negating its Assertion of an affirmative by negating its

contrary. Example: contrary. Example: ""HeHe''s not the brightest man in s not the brightest man in the world,the world,"" meaning meaning ""he is stupid.he is stupid.""

It is a simple form of understatement, often in It is a simple form of understatement, often in Anglo-Saxon poetry, like Anglo-Saxon poetry, like BeowulfBeowulf, it is a , it is a statement of grim irony. Example, in describing statement of grim irony. Example, in describing the dwelling place of the monster Grendel, the dwelling place of the monster Grendel, Hrothgar states, Hrothgar states, ""That is not a pleasant place.That is not a pleasant place.""

General example: General example: ""He is two bricks shy of a full He is two bricks shy of a full load,load,"" meaning his reasoning powers are not all meaning his reasoning powers are not all there.there.

Page 50: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

melodramatic redundancymelodramatic redundancy

This AP exam phrase incorporates two This AP exam phrase incorporates two terms: terms: melodramaticmelodramatic and and redundancyredundancy..

Melodramatic: exaggerated, Melodramatic: exaggerated, sensational, overly dramatic.sensational, overly dramatic.

Redundancy: the state of being Redundancy: the state of being unnecessarily repetitive or unnecessarily repetitive or superfluoussuperfluous

Thus, Thus, melodramatic redundancymelodramatic redundancy means, means, ""unnecessary repetition that unnecessary repetition that is exaggerated, sensational and is exaggerated, sensational and overly dramatic.overly dramatic.""

Page 51: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

metaphormetaphor A figure of speech that compares two things which are A figure of speech that compares two things which are

basically dissimilar. (Example: The ship basically dissimilar. (Example: The ship plowedplowed the sea.) the sea.) Unlike a simile, metaphors do not have a connective word Unlike a simile, metaphors do not have a connective word

(like, as, or than). (like, as, or than). Many metaphors are implied or suggested. (Example: Anne Many metaphors are implied or suggested. (Example: Anne

Bradstreet in Bradstreet in ""Upon the Burning of Our HouseUpon the Burning of Our House"" calls heaven calls heaven ""the beautiful housethe beautiful house"" built by built by ""the mightiest architect.the mightiest architect.""))

An An ""extendedextended"" or or ""controllingcontrolling"" metaphor is used throughout metaphor is used throughout the essay. the essay.

A dead metaphor is one that is overly used and is no longer A dead metaphor is one that is overly used and is no longer considered figurative, but rather literal. (Example: the leg considered figurative, but rather literal. (Example: the leg of a chair.) of a chair.)

A mixed metaphor is the use of two or more inconsistent A mixed metaphor is the use of two or more inconsistent metaphors in one expression. Mixed metaphors make no metaphors in one expression. Mixed metaphors make no sense upon examination and are often used as humorous. sense upon examination and are often used as humorous. (Example: To hold the fort, he(Example: To hold the fort, he ''d have to shake a leg.) d have to shake a leg.)

Page 52: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

metonymymetonymy Noun.Noun. From Greek From Greek metōnymíametōnymía for for ""change of name.change of name."" A figure of speech where the term for one thing is A figure of speech where the term for one thing is

applied for another with which it has become applied for another with which it has become closely associated in experience, or where a part closely associated in experience, or where a part represents the whole.represents the whole.

Example: Example: ""the crownthe crown"" is figuratively the king. is figuratively the king. Example: the word Example: the word ""petticoatpetticoat"" represents represents

femininity; whereas the word femininity; whereas the word ""pantspants"" represents represents being in control. being in control.

Reminder: This is not a Reminder: This is not a synecdochesynecdoche; the tools are ; the tools are different. For one, a metonymy is used so much different. For one, a metonymy is used so much that it has become a figure of speech.that it has become a figure of speech.

Page 53: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

monologuemonologue

From Greek From Greek monologosmonologos meaning meaning ""to to speak alone.speak alone.""

A long speech by one person; a A long speech by one person; a dramatic speech by one actor.dramatic speech by one actor.

Also known as a Also known as a ""soliloquysoliloquy"" if the if the character speaks inner thoughts to the character speaks inner thoughts to the audience and no other character audience and no other character hears.hears.

An An ""asideaside"" is a short soliloquy. is a short soliloquy.

Page 54: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

moodmood

The atmosphere in the text created by the The atmosphere in the text created by the authorauthor''s tone towards the subject.s tone towards the subject.

Sometimes called Sometimes called ""atmosphereatmosphere"" or or ""ambience.ambience.""

Tools used:Tools used:

-Style (how sentences are combined)-Style (how sentences are combined)

-syntax (strength, length and complexity -syntax (strength, length and complexity of each sentence)of each sentence)

-diction (individual word choice)-diction (individual word choice)

Page 55: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

naturalistic novelnaturalistic novel This AP exam phrase incorporates two literary This AP exam phrase incorporates two literary

terms: terms: naturalismnaturalism and and novelnovel.. Naturalism: centering upon nature and Naturalism: centering upon nature and

excluding supernatural or spiritual elements, excluding supernatural or spiritual elements, with special attention to effects of with special attention to effects of environment and heredity on human nature environment and heredity on human nature and action. and action.

Novel: extended fictional narrative that allows Novel: extended fictional narrative that allows greater complication of plot and more subtle greater complication of plot and more subtle examinations of character.examinations of character.

Example: Jack LondonExample: Jack London''s s Call of the WindCall of the Wind and and White FangWhite Fang are naturalistic novels, where are naturalistic novels, where premise of premise of ""survival of the fittestsurvival of the fittest"" is examined. is examined.

Page 56: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

new journalismnew journalism Noun.Noun. Became popular during the Modernism movement in Became popular during the Modernism movement in

American culture following WWII, but is an earlier American culture following WWII, but is an earlier phenomenon.phenomenon.

No longer objective; doesnNo longer objective; doesn''t make any pretense to t make any pretense to being objective.being objective.

Features authorFeatures author''s subjective responses to people and s subjective responses to people and events covered in essay.events covered in essay.

Sometimes includes fictional elements meant to Sometimes includes fictional elements meant to illuminate and dramatize those responses of the illuminate and dramatize those responses of the author.author.

Example: Example: ""The Execution of TropmannThe Execution of Tropmann"" by Ivan by Ivan Turgenev in which the author reacts subjectively to Turgenev in which the author reacts subjectively to the sights and sounds of attending his first public the sights and sounds of attending his first public execution. His opinion about such government execution. His opinion about such government events is clear by the last paragraph of the essay. events is clear by the last paragraph of the essay. Persuasion is the key.Persuasion is the key.

Page 57: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

novel and forms thereofnovel and forms thereof

NovelNovel: extended fictional narrative : extended fictional narrative that allows greater complication of that allows greater complication of plot and more subtle examinations of plot and more subtle examinations of character.character.

NoveletteNovelette or or NovellaNovella: fictional : fictional narrative of middle length. narrative of middle length. Examples: Examples: Old Man and the SeaOld Man and the Sea by by Ernest Hemingway or Ernest Hemingway or Heart of Heart of DarknessDarkness by Joseph Conrad. by Joseph Conrad.

Page 58: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

oxymoronoxymoron Noun.Noun. From Greek: From Greek: oxioxi means means ""sharp, keen, sharp, keen,

acute, pungent, acidacute, pungent, acid""; ; moronmoron means means ""dull, dull, stupid, foolish.stupid, foolish.""

A figure of speech in which two A figure of speech in which two contradictory words are placed side-by-contradictory words are placed side-by-side for effect.side for effect.

Words are obviously opposed or markedly Words are obviously opposed or markedly contradictory terms.contradictory terms.

Casually reference: contradiction of terms.Casually reference: contradiction of terms. Examples: Examples: ""civil war,civil war,"" ""alone together,alone together,"" ""deafening silence,deafening silence,"" or or ""jumbo shrimp.jumbo shrimp.""

Page 59: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

paeanpaean From Greek From Greek paianpaian meaning meaning ""hymn to Apollohymn to Apollo"" ( (Paian Paian or or

PaionPaion, being a name for Apollo)., being a name for Apollo). Pronounced Pronounced ""pie-un.pie-un."" Any song of joy, praise or triumph.Any song of joy, praise or triumph. ShakespeareShakespeare''s s HamletHamlet, the protagonist offers a paean , the protagonist offers a paean

to man:to man:What a piece of work is man, how noble in reason,What a piece of work is man, how noble in reason,how infinite his faculties, in form and moving howhow infinite his faculties, in form and moving howexpress and admirable, in action how like an angel,express and admirable, in action how like an angel,in apprehension, how like a god: the beauty of thein apprehension, how like a god: the beauty of theworld, the paragon of animals . . . . (II, ii, 292-95)world, the paragon of animals . . . . (II, ii, 292-95)

Page 60: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

paradoxparadox A statement that reveals a kind of truth, A statement that reveals a kind of truth,

although it seems at first to be self-although it seems at first to be self-contradictory and untrue. contradictory and untrue.

Rhymes with Rhymes with ""in your socksin your socks"" Examples: Books are a poor manExamples: Books are a poor man ''s wealth. s wealth.

Or, as Emily Dickinson writes, Or, as Emily Dickinson writes, ""Much Much madness is Divinest Sense.madness is Divinest Sense.""

In John DonneIn John Donne''s sonnet, s sonnet, ""Death, Be Not Death, Be Not Proud,Proud,"" he declares: he declares:

One short sleep past, we wake eternallyOne short sleep past, we wake eternallyAnd death shall be no more; And death shall be no more; Death, thou Death, thou

shalt dieshalt die..

Page 61: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

parallelismparallelism Sentence construction which places in close Sentence construction which places in close

proximity two or more equal grammatical proximity two or more equal grammatical constructions.constructions.

Might be as simple as listing two or three modifiers Might be as simple as listing two or three modifiers in a row to describe the same noun or verb.in a row to describe the same noun or verb.

Might be two or more of the same type of phrases Might be two or more of the same type of phrases (prepositional, participial, gerund, appositive).(prepositional, participial, gerund, appositive).

Might be two or more subordinate clauses that Might be two or more subordinate clauses that modify the same noun or verb.modify the same noun or verb.

Might be a complex blend of single-word, phrase, Might be a complex blend of single-word, phrase, and clause parallelism all in the same sentence.and clause parallelism all in the same sentence.

Simple Example: He lived well, and he died well.Simple Example: He lived well, and he died well.

Page 62: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

parodyparody Imitates the serious materials and manner of a Imitates the serious materials and manner of a

particular work, or the characteristic style of a particular work, or the characteristic style of a particular author, and applies it to a lowly or particular author, and applies it to a lowly or grossly discordant subject.grossly discordant subject.

An exaggerated imitation of a serious work for An exaggerated imitation of a serious work for humorous purposes.humorous purposes.

Sometimes called Sometimes called ""burlesqueburlesque"" and and ""travesty.travesty."" An English essayist of the early twentieth century, An English essayist of the early twentieth century,

Max Beerbohm is known for his parody.Max Beerbohm is known for his parody. James Thurber of James Thurber of The New YorkerThe New Yorker magazine was magazine was

an American writer also known for parody.an American writer also known for parody. The cartoon series The cartoon series The SimpsonsThe Simpsons often does a often does a

parody of a famous poem or novel.parody of a famous poem or novel.

Page 63: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

pathospathos Noun.Noun. Etymology: Greek.Etymology: Greek. A quality in an experience, narrative, literary A quality in an experience, narrative, literary

work, etc., which arouses profound feelings of work, etc., which arouses profound feelings of compassion or sorrow.compassion or sorrow.

Pathetic expression or emotion; transient or Pathetic expression or emotion; transient or emotional.emotional.

Example: For many audience members, the first Example: For many audience members, the first time viewing time viewing BraveheartBraveheart in a darkened theatre in a darkened theatre produced a profound pathos while watching produced a profound pathos while watching William Wallace scream out William Wallace scream out ""Freedom!Freedom!"" in his last in his last dying moments after suffering a barbaric torture dying moments after suffering a barbaric torture at the hands of the civilized English.at the hands of the civilized English.

Page 64: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

periodicperiodic

Sentence that places the main idea Sentence that places the main idea or central complete thought at the or central complete thought at the end of the sentence, after all end of the sentence, after all introductory elements.introductory elements.

Page 65: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

polysyndetonpolysyndeton

Sentence that uses Sentence that uses andand or other or other conjunctions multiple times with no conjunctions multiple times with no commas to separate items in a series.commas to separate items in a series.

Stresses equally each member of the Stresses equally each member of the series.series.

Slows the flow of the sentence for effect, Slows the flow of the sentence for effect, making items more emphatic than in the making items more emphatic than in the asyndeton.asyndeton.

Formula: X and Y and Z.Formula: X and Y and Z. See See asyndetonasyndeton for variation. for variation.

Page 66: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

post hocpost hoc, , egro propter hocegro propter hoc

Latin for Latin for ""after this, therefore after this, therefore because of this.because of this.""

When a writer implies that because When a writer implies that because one thing follows another, the first one thing follows another, the first caused the second.caused the second.

Page 67: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

punpun A play on words that are either identical in sound (homonyms) A play on words that are either identical in sound (homonyms)

or similar in sound, but are sharply diverse in meaning.or similar in sound, but are sharply diverse in meaning. Example: Example: ""Thou art Peter (Petros) and upon this rock (petra) I Thou art Peter (Petros) and upon this rock (petra) I

will build my church.will build my church."" Early puns had roots in serious literature, that like Shakespeare, Early puns had roots in serious literature, that like Shakespeare,

can also have a comical effect in a very serious situation.can also have a comical effect in a very serious situation. Example: In Example: In Romeo and JulietRomeo and Juliet, while bleeding to death, Mercutio , while bleeding to death, Mercutio

says says ""Ask for me tomorrow and you shall find me a grave man.Ask for me tomorrow and you shall find me a grave man."" By the eighteenth century and after, the literary use of puns has By the eighteenth century and after, the literary use of puns has

been almost exclusively comic.been almost exclusively comic. Equivoque: the use of a single word or phrase which has two Equivoque: the use of a single word or phrase which has two

disparate meanings, in a context which makes both meanings disparate meanings, in a context which makes both meanings equally relevant.equally relevant.

Example: An epitaph suggested for a bank teller, which states, Example: An epitaph suggested for a bank teller, which states, ""He checked his cash, cashed in his checks. And left his He checked his cash, cashed in his checks. And left his window. Who is next?window. Who is next?""

Page 68: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

purple patchpurple patch Translation of Translation of ""purpureus . . . Pannuspurpureus . . . Pannus"" from Horace from Horace ''s s Ars Ars

PoeticaPoetica.. Signifies a sudden heightening of rhythm, diction, and Signifies a sudden heightening of rhythm, diction, and

figurative language that makes a section of verse or prose—figurative language that makes a section of verse or prose—especially a descriptive passage—stand out from its context.especially a descriptive passage—stand out from its context.

Sometimes applied to a set piece, separable and quotable, in Sometimes applied to a set piece, separable and quotable, in which an author rises to an occasion.which an author rises to an occasion.

Example: From the 1999 film Example: From the 1999 film Cider House RulesCider House Rules, in which , in which Dr. Wilbur Larch (Michael Caine) salutes the boy orphans crowded in the attic bedroom with, "Goodnight, you princes of Maine. You kings of New England," thereby heightening just how precious these orphaned lads and the struggling orphanage are to the doctor.

Example: ShakespeareExample: Shakespeare ''s eulogy of England by the dying John s eulogy of England by the dying John of Gaunt in Shakespeareof Gaunt in Shakespeare ''s s Richard IIRichard II (Act II, Scene I, lines 40- (Act II, Scene I, lines 40-43). The dying John says:43). The dying John says:

This royal throne of kings, this sceptThis royal throne of kings, this scept ''red isle,red isle,This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars,This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars,This other Eden, demi-paradise . . . .This other Eden, demi-paradise . . . .

Page 69: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

red herringred herring

When a writer raises an irrelevant When a writer raises an irrelevant issue to draw attention away from issue to draw attention away from the real issue.the real issue.

Page 70: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

refrainrefrain A line, or part of a line, or a group of lines which is A line, or part of a line, or a group of lines which is

repeated in the course of a poem or an essay.repeated in the course of a poem or an essay. There might be slight variations within the There might be slight variations within the

repeated refrain.repeated refrain. The repetition is done for effect.The repetition is done for effect. Example: If an essay incorporated repeated Example: If an essay incorporated repeated

phrases like phrases like ""I believeI believe"" or or ""This is loveThis is love"" each refrain each refrain focuses the audience on a particular subject.focuses the audience on a particular subject.

Perhaps the most famous refrain in American Perhaps the most famous refrain in American writing is from Edgar Allan Poewriting is from Edgar Allan Poe ''s s ""The RavenThe Raven"" which is simply which is simply ""Nevermore.Nevermore."" The audience is The audience is focused on the concept of never will the narrator focused on the concept of never will the narrator be able to forget his lost love, find relief from the be able to forget his lost love, find relief from the pain, or be able to hold her again.pain, or be able to hold her again.

Page 71: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

refutationrefutation

The art of mustering relevant The art of mustering relevant opposing arguments.opposing arguments.

The author The author ""refutesrefutes"" through through evidence logical opposition.evidence logical opposition.

Page 72: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

rhetoricrhetoric

The art of effective communication, The art of effective communication, especially persuasive discourse.especially persuasive discourse.

Focuses on the interrelationship of Focuses on the interrelationship of invention, arrangement, and style in order invention, arrangement, and style in order to create fitting and appropriate discourse.to create fitting and appropriate discourse.

Might also be used as an adjective to Might also be used as an adjective to describe the elements of effective describe the elements of effective communication (rhetorical situation, communication (rhetorical situation, rhetorical question, rhetorical example, rhetorical question, rhetorical example, etc.).etc.).

Page 73: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

satiresatire Text that reveals a critical attitude toward some Text that reveals a critical attitude toward some

element of human behavior by portraying it in an element of human behavior by portraying it in an extreme way.extreme way.

Satire is meant to improve society through humor, Satire is meant to improve society through humor, not to tear it down through vicious ridicule.not to tear it down through vicious ridicule.

DoesnDoesn''t simply abuse (as in t simply abuse (as in invectiveinvective) or get ) or get personal (as in personal (as in sarcasmsarcasm).).

Targets groups or large concepts rather than Targets groups or large concepts rather than individuals.individuals.

As opposed to sarcasm, which is meant to abuse and As opposed to sarcasm, which is meant to abuse and ridicule an individual.ridicule an individual.

Very creative and takes audience knowledge and Very creative and takes audience knowledge and perception to appreciate.perception to appreciate.

Page 74: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

sentimentalismsentimentalism

What is perceived as an excess of What is perceived as an excess of emotion to an occasion.emotion to an occasion.

In a more limited sense, refers to an In a more limited sense, refers to an overindulgence in the overindulgence in the ""tendertender"" emotions of pathos and sympathy.emotions of pathos and sympathy.

Relative to audience and cultural Relative to audience and cultural perceptions.perceptions.

Page 75: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

signal wordssignal words

Words in an essay that alert the Words in an essay that alert the reader to a change in tone, direction, reader to a change in tone, direction, section, or category.section, or category.

Examples: however, on the other Examples: however, on the other hand, contrary to, and now, next, hand, contrary to, and now, next, following, etc.following, etc.

Time Examples: At one in the Time Examples: At one in the morning, by sunset, at noon, etc.morning, by sunset, at noon, etc.

Page 76: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

similesimile

A figure of speech, comparing two A figure of speech, comparing two essentially unlike things through the essentially unlike things through the use of a specific word of comparison use of a specific word of comparison (like, as, or than, for example). (like, as, or than, for example).

Example: Example: ""This is the Arsenal. From This is the Arsenal. From the floor to ceiling, like a huge organ, the floor to ceiling, like a huge organ, rise the burnished arms.rise the burnished arms.""

Page 77: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

straw manstraw man

Argues against a claim that nobody Argues against a claim that nobody actually holds or is universally actually holds or is universally considered weak.considered weak.

Diverts attention away from the real Diverts attention away from the real issues.issues.

Page 78: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

stylestyle

The choices in diction, tone, syntax that a The choices in diction, tone, syntax that a writer makes.writer makes.

Together, these choices create the manner Together, these choices create the manner of expression in a text, which is of expression in a text, which is stylestyle..

Evolves over time as writing habits are Evolves over time as writing habits are developed naturally.developed naturally.

Considered both conscious and Considered both conscious and unconscious and thus may be altered to fit unconscious and thus may be altered to fit the purpose of the text.the purpose of the text.

Page 79: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

syllogisticsyllogistic

Noun.Noun. From the Greek word From the Greek word syllogismossyllogismos, ,

meaning meaning ""inference or conclusion.inference or conclusion."" A form of argument or reasoning, A form of argument or reasoning,

consisting of two premises and a consisting of two premises and a conclusion.conclusion.

Page 80: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

symbolsymbol

An object, place, setting, prop, event An object, place, setting, prop, event or person that represents or stands or person that represents or stands for some idea or event.for some idea or event.

Never hidden, but interwoven Never hidden, but interwoven throughout the text.throughout the text.

It may also retain its own literal It may also retain its own literal meaning while taking on the meaning while taking on the symbolic qualities.symbolic qualities.

Page 81: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

synecdochesynecdoche Greek, for Greek, for ""taking together.taking together."" A part of something is used to signify the A part of something is used to signify the

whole.whole. Or, more rarely, a whole to signify a part.Or, more rarely, a whole to signify a part. Examples: Milton in Examples: Milton in ""LycidasLycidas"" calls the calls the

corrupt clergy of the Church of England corrupt clergy of the Church of England ""blind mouths,blind mouths,"" meaning their misguided meaning their misguided sermons represent their total corruption.sermons represent their total corruption.

Example: Example: ""Give me your hand,Give me your hand,"" does not does not mean literally just your hand, but your mean literally just your hand, but your entire physical help.entire physical help.

Reminder: do not mix this term with Reminder: do not mix this term with metonymymetonymy. They are different tools.. They are different tools.

Page 82: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

syntactic fluencysyntactic fluency

Ability to create a variety of sentence Ability to create a variety of sentence structures, appropriately complex structures, appropriately complex and/or simple and varied in length.and/or simple and varied in length.

Page 83: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

syntactic permutationsyntactic permutation

Sentence structures that are Sentence structures that are extraordinarily complex and extraordinarily complex and involved.involved.

Often difficult for the reader to Often difficult for the reader to follow.follow.

Wordiness beyond effectiveness.Wordiness beyond effectiveness.

Page 84: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

tautologytautology Noun.Noun. From Late Latin From Late Latin tautologia.tautologia. A repetition of the same statement.A repetition of the same statement. The repetition, within the immediate context, of The repetition, within the immediate context, of

the same word or phrase or the same meaning in the same word or phrase or the same meaning in different words; usually as a fault of style.different words; usually as a fault of style.

Example: Example: ""essential necessaries.essential necessaries."" A repetition of something already said.A repetition of something already said. A mere repetition of acts, incidents or A mere repetition of acts, incidents or

experiences.experiences. Modern Logic: A self-evident truth, a truism; a Modern Logic: A self-evident truth, a truism; a

compound proposition which is unconditionally compound proposition which is unconditionally true for all possibilities.true for all possibilities.

Page 85: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

themetheme Central idea of a work of fiction or nonfiction.Central idea of a work of fiction or nonfiction. Revealed and developed in the course of a story or Revealed and developed in the course of a story or

explored through argument.explored through argument. An abstract claim, or doctrine, whether implicit or asserted, An abstract claim, or doctrine, whether implicit or asserted,

which the text is designed to incorporate and makes which the text is designed to incorporate and makes persuasive to the reader.persuasive to the reader.

Often discussed as a Often discussed as a main ideamain idea when confined to the when confined to the parameters of the text.parameters of the text.

Often discussed as a Often discussed as a themetheme when presented in abstract when presented in abstract terms that go beyond the boundaries of the text.terms that go beyond the boundaries of the text.

Example: The main idea of Example: The main idea of Great ExpectationsGreat Expectations is that Pip is that Pip has to learn to judge others by evidence and not by has to learn to judge others by evidence and not by appearance, through which Dickens presents the theme appearance, through which Dickens presents the theme that humans create most of their own problems by being that humans create most of their own problems by being prejudice, pompous and placing importance on social status prejudice, pompous and placing importance on social status rather than on personal character.rather than on personal character.

Page 86: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

tonetone

AuthorAuthor''s attitude toward subject s attitude toward subject matter as revealed through style, matter as revealed through style, syntax, diction, figurative language, syntax, diction, figurative language, and organization.and organization.

AuthorAuthor''s tone creates mood in the s tone creates mood in the text by use of the above tools.text by use of the above tools.

Page 87: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

tricolontricolon

Sentence consisting of three parts of Sentence consisting of three parts of equal importance and length.equal importance and length.

Usually three independent clauses.Usually three independent clauses.

Page 88: 5 Literary Devices ________________. Your review term: ________________

verisimilitudeverisimilitude The achievement of an illusion of reality in The achievement of an illusion of reality in

the audience. This is one of the the audience. This is one of the ""three three unitiesunities"" of Italian and French drama: unity of Italian and French drama: unity of place, unity of time, and unity of truth of place, unity of time, and unity of truth (the drama must have a sense of reality (the drama must have a sense of reality and believability in the audience).and believability in the audience).

The appearance of being true.The appearance of being true. Having a resemblance to truth, reality or Having a resemblance to truth, reality or

fact.fact. A statement which has the mere show of A statement which has the mere show of

being true or in accordance with fact; an being true or in accordance with fact; an apparent truth.apparent truth.