Idiom
An idiom is a phrase that conveys a figurative meaning that is difficult or impossible to understand based solely on a literal interpretation of the words in the phrase.
Alliteration
Alliteration is a figure of speech in which the same sound repeats in a group of words, such as the "b" sound in: "Bob brought the box of bricks to the basement." The repeating sound...
Assonance
Assonance is a figure of speech in which the same vowel sound repeats within a group of words.
Consonance
Consonance is a figure of speech in which the same consonant sound repeats within a group of words.
Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing is a literary device in which authors hint at plot developments that don't actually occur until later in the story.
Hyperbole
Hyperbole is a figure of speech in which a writer or speaker exaggerates for the sake of emphasis.
Imagery
Imagery, in any sort of writing, refers to descriptive language that engages the human senses.
Irony
Irony is a literary device or event in which how things seem to be is in fact very different from how they actually are.
Juxtaposition
Juxtaposition occurs when an author places two things side by side as a way of highlighting their differences.
Metaphor
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other.
Mood
The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion
Onomatopoeia
Onomatopoeia is a figure of speech in which words evoke the actual sound of the thing they refer to or describe. The "boom" of a firework exploding, the "tick tock" of a clock
Oxymoron
An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which two contradictory terms or ideas are intentionally paired in order to make a point
Personification
Personification is a type of figurative language in which non-human things are described as having human attributes
Pun
A pun is a figure of speech that plays with words that have multiple meanings
Repetition
Repetition is a literary device in which a word or phrase is repeated two or more times.
Rhyme
A rhyme is a repetition of similar sounds in two or more words.
Setting
Setting is where and when a story or scene takes place.
Sibilance
Sibilance is a figure of speech in which a hissing sound is created within a group of words through the repetition of "s" sounds.
Simile
A simile is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things. To make the comparison, similes most often use the connecting words "like" or "as''
Stanza
A stanza is a group of lines form a smaller unit within a poem.
Symbolism
Symbolism is a literary device in which a writer uses one thing�usually a physical object or phenomenon�to represent something more abstract.
Theme
A theme is a universal idea, lesson, or message explored throughout a work of literature.
Tragic Hero
A tragic hero is a type of character in a tragedy, and is usually the protagonist.