Terms to Know
IRONY
Irony
Verbal Dramatic Irony of Situation
1. Verbal irony: saying the opposite of what one means
2. Dramatic irony: possession by the audience of knowledge which the character does not have
3. Irony of situation: discrepancy between what one anticipates and what actually comes to pass
SYMBOLISMA character, an action, a setting, or an
object representing something else can
be a symbol. Most often, the symbol in a
story is an object that represents its owner’s
character or situation, or both. Something
that on the surface is its literal self but
which also has another meaning or even
several meanings.
SYMBOLS
Peace Love Courage
FLASHBACK
This is a writers’ technique in which the
author interrupts the plot of the story to
recreate an incident of an earlier time (goes
back in time; giving the reader a
memory). This device is often used to
provide additional information to the reader.
FORESHADOWING
This is a writers’ technique in which the
author provides clues or hints as to what is
going to happen later in the story. It’s like
the music in a scary movie when we know
that something bad is about to happen.
SUSPENSE
Suspense is a feeling of anticipation,
uncertainty, and anxiety about the outcome
of certain actions.
ALLUSION
A significant reference, direct or indirect, to a
work of literature, music, or art, as well as a
historical event, person, or place.
Examples of an allusion
He has the strength of Hercules.
He has the speed of Superman.
ONOMATOPOEIA
Onomatopoeia refers to
words whose sound
is suggestive of its
meaning.
Sizzle. Boom! Buzz.
SIMILE
A simile is the comparison of two unlike
things using the word 'like' or 'as'
Last night Bob slept like a log.
METAPHOR
A metaphor is like a simile. That is because it is a comparison that is made between things, which is not always likely or obvious.
However, the explicit use of the word 'like' or 'as' which you see in a simile, is not used in a metaphor which is rather a comparison of two unlike things using the verb "to be".
Examples of a metaphor
The inside of the car was a
refrigerator.
Life is a roller coaster.
HYPERBOLE
Hyperbole is a figure of speech that uses
an exaggerated or extravagant statement to
create a strong emotional response. As a
figure of speech it is not intended to be
taken literally. Hyperbole is frequently used
for humour.
Examples of hyperboleHe's got tons of money.
Her brain is the size of a pea.
I will die if she asks me to dance.
She is as big as an elephant!
I'm so hungry I could eat a horse.
I have told you a million times not to lie!
IMAGERY
It is imagery that allows readers to involve their senses while reading. Your mind creates images (pictures) in your head = your mind’s eye. Your mind can also be reminded of sounds, touch, movement, smells, and tastes.
Imagery is the mental picture or pictures that a writer creates. In fiction, imagery can involve any and all of the senses, and can have important symbolic value.
ASK YOURSELF
What do you see while reading this story?
What sounds do you hear?
Is there anything to smell or taste?
What do the surfaces feel like?
Can you reach out and touch something?
Visual imagery: A dim light, a dirty rag, a
golden daffodil
Auditory imagery: A pounding surf, a
screeching siren
Tactile imagery: A scratchy beard, an ice-
cold hand
Kinesthetic imagery: A ladder swaying
Olfactory imagery: The scent of apple
blossoms, mint-fresh breath
Gustatory imagery: The bitter tang of lime,
coffee tinged with vanilla
