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Lesson 2 Literary Devices and Terminologies

This document defines and provides examples of common literary devices used in writing including simile, soliloquy, symbolism, allegory, alliteration, allusion, anaphora, aphorism, euphemism, and hyperbole. It encourages researching and defining 10 additional literary terms not already covered along with examples for each.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
38 views2 pages

Lesson 2 Literary Devices and Terminologies

This document defines and provides examples of common literary devices used in writing including simile, soliloquy, symbolism, allegory, alliteration, allusion, anaphora, aphorism, euphemism, and hyperbole. It encourages researching and defining 10 additional literary terms not already covered along with examples for each.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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LESSON 2 LITERARY DEVICES AND TERMINOLOGIES

What are literary devices?

Literary devices are techniques that writers use to express their ideas and enhance their writing.
Literary devices highlight important concepts in a text, strengthen the narrative, and help readers
connect to the characters and themes.

Common Literary Devices

Simile

A simile draws resemblance between two things by saying “Thing A is like Thing B,” or “Thing
A is as [adjective] as Thing B.”

Soliloquy

Soliloquy involves a character speaking their thoughts aloud, usually at length (and often in a
Shakespeare play). The character in question may be alone or in the company of others, but
they’re not speaking for the benefit of other people; the purpose of a soliloquy is for a character
to reflect independently.

Symbolism

Authors turn to tangible symbols to represent abstract concepts and ideas in their stories 
Symbols typically derive from objects or non-human — for instance, a dove might represent
peace, or raven might represent death.

Allegory

An allegory is a type of narrative that uses characters and plot to depict abstract ideas and
themes. In an allegorical story, things represent more than they appear to on the surface. Many
children's fables, such as The Tortoise and the Hare, are simple allegories about morality — but
allegories can also be dark, complex, and controversial.

Alliteration

Alliteration describes a series of words in quick succession that all start with the same letter or
sound. It lends a pleasing cadence to prose and poetry both. And if you have any doubts about
the impact of alliteration, consider the following unforgettable titles: Love’s Labour’s Lost, Sense
and Sensibility, and The Haunting of Hill House.
Allusion

An allusion is a passing or indirect descriptive reference to something. You probably allude to


things all the time in everyday speech, without even noticing.

Anaphora

Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of a series of clauses or


sentences. It’s often seen in poetry and speeches, intended to provoke a emotional response in its
audience.

Aphorism

An aphorism is a universally accepted truth stated in a concise, to-the-point way. Aphorisms are
typically witty and memorable, often becoming adages or proverbs as people repeat them over
and over.

Euphemism

A euphemism is an indirect, “polite” way of describing something too inappropriate or awkward


to address directly. However, most people will still understand the truth about what's happening.

Hyperbole

Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement that emphasizes the significance of the statement’s actual
meaning. When a friend says, "Oh my god, I haven't seen you in a million
years," that's hyperbole.

Research Activity 2

Direction: Listed above are some literary terms and devices. Look for at least 10 literary terms
and devices other than what are listed. Define each term and provide an example for each.

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