FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE Used to build the story and ideas with powerful words that help readers experience the emotions Allows readers to experience a story through written words describing sights, smells, tastes, sounds, and touch

TYPES OF FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE Alliteration – the repetition of the same consonant sounds in lines of poetry or prose Allusion – a reference to a well-known place, literary or art work, famous person, historical event, or pop culture Dependent on the reader being familiar with the work or item being referred to

Analogy – an extended explanation or description of something unfamiliar or difficult to explain with something familiar “Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re going to get.” Euphemism – using mild words to describe something instead of using possibly offensive terms perspire for sweat; passed away for died Hyperbole – exaggeration to create an effect I would rather die than eat brussels sprouts.

Imagery – the use of words or phrases that evoke the sensations of sight, hearing, touch, smell, or taste “During the whole of a dull, dark, and soundless day in the autumn…” Irony – a contrast between what is stated and what is meant (verbal irony) or between what is expected to happen and what actually happens (irony of situation) A lowly imprisoned gladiator defeats the powerful but evil emperor of Rome.

Metaphor – a direct comparison between two unlike things without using the words “like” or “as” Extended metaphor – a metaphor is set up and other items are compared within that metaphor or along the same lines as the first metaphor; may run through entire story, poem, or book “All the world’s a stage…” Onomatopoeia – words that imitate the sound they are naming

Oxymoron – two or three words that combine opposite or contradictory ideas Paradox – contradictory ideas existing together to point to a deeper truth Personification – giving human qualities to something not human Rhyme – when words, usually those at the ends of lines, have the same sounds

Rhythm – the arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables into a pattern Simile – comparison between two things using “like” or “as” Symbolism – when any object, person, place, or action has a meaning in itself and is also used to represent a meaning beyond itself, such as a quality, an attitude, a belief, or a value

MOOD The atmosphere (or soul) of a literary work Developed through point of view, setting, plot, and all other elements

TONE A feeling or impression given to the reader through word choice and language

TYPES OF MOOD AND TONE angry anxious boring calm cynical (sarcastic, skeptical) depressed lackadaisical (lacking life or spirit) hysterical (uncontrollably afraid or emotional) expectant

dramatic (involving conflicting forces) fearful happy humorous lighthearted (free from worry) lofty (extremely proud or noble) gloomy lethargic (lazy or indifferent) disgusting

mocking (making fun of) optimistic (seeing the bright side) pessimistic (expecting the worst) poetic (imaginative, emotional) relaxed threatening tense (nervous, suspenseful) pensive (thoughtful or reflective) macabre (gruesome, often related to death)

sad satirical (with biting wit or sarcasm) suspenseful (with anxiety or uncertainty) sympathetic (with compassion) tragic (unfortunate) remorseful (with regret for wrong) nervous tearful beguiling (with deceit or cheating)

HINTS FOR ANALYZING LITERATURE Pay attention to use of a variety of literary devices: –Time and sequence –Figurative language –Point of view –Tone and mood Use your own experiences and prior knowledge.