Apostrophe
a passage written to someone who is typically dead or absent.
Analogy
A comparison of two different things that are similar in some way
Aphorism
a concise statement about wisdom or the truth written by (typically) an ancient classical writer
Allusion
an indirect reference designed to call to the mind
Anaphora
the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses
Connotation
an idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning.
Colloquialism
the use of slang or informal speech in a conversation or writing
didactic
the intention of teaching one with an ulterior motive
Denotation
The dictionary definition of a word
Diction
the choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing.
Euphemism
An indirect, less offensive way of saying something that is considered unpleasant
Genre
a major category or type of literature, music, or movies
Hyperbole
an exaggeration or overstatement for effect in writing
invective
An emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.
Litotes
an ironic understatement
Metonymy
substituting the name of one object for another object closely associated with it
Oxymoron
A figure of speech that combines opposite or contradictory terms in a brief phrase.
Onomatopoeia
a word or collection of letters that imitate the noise of an object
Parody
a work which imitates another in a ridiculous manner
Paradox
a statement that seems contradictory but is actually true
Personification
the giving of human qualities to an animal, object, or idea
Syntax
the arrangement of words to create a well formed sentence
Symbol
A thing that represents or stands for something else, especially a material object representing something abstract.
Tone
Attitude a writer takes toward the audience, a subject, or a character