Ap glossary of lit and rhetorical terms 1 ap language and. This sheet can provide a wide range of literary devices with examples to be used on novels, poetry as well as on working with other genres. Ministry of education 1 english 12 201415 school year terms and devices. In part 1 of the english techniques guide, we provide a complete list of english literary techniques that you must know for analysing texts effectively and writing creative responses. The english literary techniques toolkit for the hsc. Some common examples are metaphor, alliteration, hyperbole, and imagery.
These techniques can give the reader a greater read more. Focus on the sound of words, rather than their meaning. The writers make their texts vibrant, emotive and pleasing with the use of these devices. The five act structure was originally introduced in roman times and became the convention. Literary devices in poems list, definitions, examples. A printed pdf version quick reference of litcharts literary terms and devices. This list is by no means comprehensive, but instead offers a primer to the language frequently used by scholars and students researching literary works. Ap glossary of lit and rhetorical terms 1 ap language. Literary terms to know in seventh grade yourdictionary.
Here is a list of some general literary terms and definitions that late middle school and early high school students should know, each with its own explanation. English department glossary of common literary terms allegory. Literary devices and terms definitions and examples litcharts. In standard parlance and writing the adjective comes before the noun but when one is employing an anastrophe the noun is followed by the adjective. Literary devices meaning and examples simile a comparison between two things using like or as. Alliteration is the repetition of the first consonant sound in a consecutive series of words. In this chapter, we shall present a few key terms essential for further deliberations about literature. Literary devices everything you need to know to analyze figurative language in poetry, drama, literature, speeches, etc. Figurative language there are several kinds of figurative language, also known as figures of speech, with metaphor and simile being the most common and best known. The important literary devices poetic devices for school lessons have been discussed. It starts out easy where you should define words like alliteration, simile, repetion etc. The most common literary devices used in literature. Section two you will have small reading passages and. Literary devices and terms are the techniques and elementsfrom figures of speech to narrative devices to poetic metersthat writers use to create narrative literature, poetry, speeches, or any other form of writing.
He edited the oxford book of gothic tales 1992, and is the author of in frankensteins shadow 1987, criticism and literary theory 1890 to the present 1996, and other works of literary history. Here you will find a list literary devices with definitions and examples. Haiku poems frequently have a kigo, or seasonal reference. A brief biography of many well known authors has also been included. The routledge dictionary of literary termsis a twentyfirst century update of roger fowlers seminal dictionary of modern critical terms. Flashback a plotstructuring device inserting a scene from the fictional past into the fictional present. The routledge dictionary of literary terms the routledge dictionary of literary termsis a twentyfirst century update of roger fowlers seminal dictionary of modern critical terms. Example o o my love is like a red, red rose from robert burns a. Literary devices and literary terms the complete list. The willfull waterbeds help me thrall, the laving laurel turned my tide. The study of meaning through signs, symbols, and words and how a.
The repetition of initial consonant sounds used especially in poetry to emphasize and link words as well as to create pleasing, musical sounds. Davidson literary devices, techniques, and elements literary devices, techniques, and elements a literary device is any specific aspect of literature, or a particular work, which we can recognize, identify, interpret andor analyze. Literary devices, techniques, and elements pittsford central. Lord of the flies alliteration repetition of the same or similar consonant sounds in words that are close together. Ap english glossary of literary terms piedmont, ca. A somewhat looser definition is that it is the use of the same consonant in any. Welcome to its tutorial schools comprehensive source of definitions for terms related to english literature. Literary terms refer to the technique, style, and formatting used by writers and speakers to masterfully emphasize, embellish, or strengthen their compositions. This quizlet is to test students knowledge of the definitions of common literary devices. Displaying top 8 worksheets found for literary devices. Study flashcards on grade 10 english literary terms at. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. All terms will be discussed throughout the year and students are responsible for knowing every term listed in this packet for the final exam. Dramatic irony is when the reader knows things that the characters in a story do.
Oxford dictionary of literary terms oxford reference. While a simile only says that one thing is like another, a metaphor says that one. Literary techniques are specific, deliberate constructions of language which an author uses to convey meaning. The repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of neigh. Anastrophe is a form of literary device wherein the order of the noun and the adjective in the sentence is exchanged. Both literary elements and literary techniques can rightly be called literary devices. The best way to learn these terms, or any definitions. Break wind, the birds and the bees, and cold turkey are euphemisms for flatulence, sex and reproduction, and a quick, complete withdrawal from the use of an addictive substance, respectively. The poem has two juxtaposed subjects that are divided into two contrasting parts. Literary terms and definitions made easy for middle and high. Let students work in groups, and do not hand out the entire sheet at once.
Welcome to the website dedicated to literary devices literary terms. Pdf glossary of literary terms by mh abrams seventh. Bringing together original entries written by such celebrated theorists as terry eagleton and malcolm bradbury. Irony irony is a literary device which reveals concealed or contradictory meanings. Antagonist character that is the source of conflict in a literary work aside a dramatic device in which a character makes a short speech intended for the audience but not heard by the other characters on stage. English literature dictionary and glossary for students. Literary terms can refer to playful techniques employed by comedians to make us laugh or witty tricks wordsmiths use to coin new words or phrases. Oct 29, 2019 literary devices or literary techniques are specific structures that writers often use to add meaning or create more compelling stories for the reader. Theme is the central message of a literary work, or the idea the author wishes to convey about that subject. May 04, 2016 glossary designed for students taking the new aqa gcse english language, but applicable to all exam boards. Reading and literature a glossary of literary terms 1 a glossary of literary terms literary devices alliteration. This lesson studies some of the more common literary devices found in literature. However, the terms listed here are ones that students should have been taught in earlier grades or terms that might be introduced at this grade level.
Abstract terms and statements describe ideas or refer to general. Knowing these terms will allow you to discuss an authors work at a more sophisticated level as you discuss how an author achieves his or her purpose. We hope you will find this resource useful as you expose your students to the exciting world of literature in english and in spanish. Glossary of rhetorical terms ap english language and composition purpose. Glossary of rhetorical terms ap english language and. When employed properly, the different literary devices help readers to appreciate, interpret and analyze a literary work.
Venice high school student handbook of literary terms abstract is the opposite of concrete. Sound devices are literary elements used in prose and poetry to stress certain sounds and create musical effects. English literary techniques toolkit the complete hsc. This term traditionally referred to such literary devices as simile. Literary terms page 1 a p literary terms allegory story or poem in which characters, settings, and events stand for other people or events or for abstract ideas or qualities. Where an author interrupts a story in order to explain something, usually to provide important background information. Dr baldick is a brewer for specialized tastes times literary supplementthe bestselling oxford dictionary of literary terms formerly the concise dictionary provides clear, concise, and often witty definitions of the most troublesome literary terms from abjection to zeugma. Section one matching definition to term not cumulative. Aristotle wrote that mastery over the art of metaphor is a sign of geniusand it turns out it he was right. The first chapter consists mostly of exposition, running down the familys history and describing their living conditions. Below is a list of literary devices with detailed definition and examples. Reading is great, and the more you do it, the more youll encounter new ideas. The rain was cold like death metaphor a direct comparison between two things.
To successfully interpret and analyze literary texts, youll first need to have a solid foundation in literary terms and their definitions. Repetition is when an author repeats a word, phrase, sentence, or stanza for effect or emphasis. The most common literary devices used in literature authors of literary text make use of what are called literary devices, in order to beautify the language of the text and convey meaning at the same time. In general, students should know the term and how the term applies in literary settings. Haiku poems are usually about nature or natural phenomena.
Examples include, gullivers travels, the faerie queene, pilgrims progress, and paradise lost. Literary devices are specific language techniques which writers use to create text. Genre how literature is categorized based on literary conventions. Concise definitions, usage tips, and lots of examples for 6 literary devices and terms. General literary terminology the following terms describe the different types and elements of literature. The way a poem looks or its arrangement on the page poetry is written in lines, which may or may not be sentences. Literary terms included below is a list of literary terms that can help you interpret, critique, and respond to a variety of different written works.
Flashforward a plotstructuring device inserting a scene from the fictional future into the fictional present. To find a literary word or phrase, always look it up in the index of terms at the end of this volume. List of english literary terms and definitions download b26e86475f if youre seeking a more elevated tone for a piece of writing, or simply want to expand your vocabulary, our list of literary terms is just what you need. He was one step beyond an open window when the light of the bomb was re. Davidson literary devices, techniques, and elements exposition.
Allegory is a derivative of the greek allegoria, meaning to imply something else. Venice high school student handbook of literary terms. A p literary terms houston independent school district. This dictionary s virtues and its plainspokenness make it. Euphemism is the substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for an expression that is thought to be harsh, blunt, or offensive. Need to analyze the scarlet letter or to kill a mockingbird for english class, but fumbling for the right vocabulary and concepts for literary devices. English language devices glossary teaching resources. Fortunately, the english language contains a wide range of words from which to. Haiku definition and examples of haiku literary devices. Allusion a reference to something wellknown that exists outside the literary work the reference is often indirect and relies on audience knowledge and understanding.
Language that uses figures of speech or literary devices to express ideas. It covers a wide range of terms, concepts and theories related to english literature. Select stylistic devices, literary devices and figures of speech. Glossary designed for students taking the new aqa gcse english language, but applicable to all exam boards. Sometimes the lines are combined into groups called stanzas. Denotation refers to the use of the dictionary definition or literal meaning of a word. This is a more direct and preferred style of writing in most cases.
Villa list of literary devices alliteration alliteration is the repetition of similar sounds, generally at the beginning of words and usually by means of consonants or consonant sound clusters in a group of words. Clemente k e y match the terms listed in section a with the definitions listed in section b by writing the number from section b on the line provided next to the number of the term in section a. This document seeks to provide a succinct definition and an appropriate example of some of the many literary terms and devices which authors use to enhance their work. Devices studied include allusion, diction, epigraph, euphemism.
Bringing together original entries written by such celebrated theorists as terry eagleton and malcolm bradbury with new definitions of current terms and controversies, this is the essential reference. In english, this division between two parts can be shown by a colon or a dash. Personification attributing human characteristics to objects, ideas, animals. Some of them, like literature itself, sound familiar and seem understandable for everybody. Literary devices refers to the typical structures used by writers in their works to convey his or her messages in a simple manner to the readers. English classes are full of big words and terms that are easily confused by even the strongest student. The concise oxford dictionary of literary terms chris baldick is professor of english at goldsmiths college, university of london. Nov 28, 2018 literary devices in poems list, definitions, examples, common literary devices what are literary devices.