Literary Devices Vocabulary Vocabulary Log

Instructions Start a “Literary Device Vocabulary Log.” Write down the word on the left hand side of your paper. Write down the complete definition AND examples on the right hand side.

Alliteration A stylistic device in which a number of words, having the SAME first consonant sound, occur close together in a series. Author’s use it to focus a readers’ attention on a particular section of a text. It also creates rhythm, mood, and can have a particular connotation ; (i.e. repetition of an “s” sound can suggest a snake-like quality, implying slyness and danger). Example: But a better butter makes a batter better. Example in literature: from Samuel Coleridge’s poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner:” “The fair breeze blew, the white foam flew, The furrow followed free; We were the first that ever burst Into that silent sea.”

Allusion A brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance. It does not describe in detail the person or thing to which it prefers. Example: “Don’t act like a Romeo in front of her.” (Romeo is a reference to Shakespeare’s Romeo, a passionate lover of Juliet in the play “Romeo and Juliet”). Example from literature from Robert Frost’s poem “Nothing Gold Can Stay.” So Eden sank to grief, (allusion to Eden strengthens the theme of the fleeting nature of happiness).

Anaphora In writing or speech, the deliberate repetition of the first part of the sentence in order to achieve and artistic effect. Used to emphasize certain words or phrases. Example from A Tale of Two Cites by Charles Dickens: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity…”

Asyndeton A writing style where conjunctions are omitted in a series of words, phrases or clauses. Used to shorten a sentence and focus on its meaning. Example: Julius Caesar leaving out the conjunction “and” between the sentences “I came. I saw.”

Hyperbole The exaggeration of ideas for the sake of emphasis. We often use it in our day-to-day speech. Example: “Ages have passed since I last saw you.” (Exaggeration of how long it has been since you have seen that person).

Oxymoron A figure of speech in which two opposite ideas are joined to create an effect. Example: “cruel kindness” Example from A Tale of Two Cites by Charles Dickens: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity…”

Polysyndeton A stylistic device in which several coordinating conjunctions are used in succession in order to achieve an artistic effect. Example: “We have ships and men and money and stores.” (A normal situation, would use commas to join words in a list, and only have the last two words joined by a coordinating conjunction: We have ships, men, money and stores).

Satire Used in many works of literature to show foolishness or vice in humans, organizations, and governments. It uses sarcasm, ridicule, and irony. Can also be in a parody (to make fun of someone or something by imitating them in a fun or satirical way). Often used to effect political or social change, or to prevent it. Examples: The movie Scary Movie. The movies of Austin Powers. Most political cartoons in newspapers and magazines. The songs of weird Al Yankovic.