Vocabulary Unit 2 Literary Terms/Figurative Language  Alliteration: a series of words or phrases that all or almost all of the words begin with the same sound

The flickering flames of the fire filled the campers’ hearts with warmth

 Allusion: when an author makes an indirect reference to a figure, place, event, or idea outside of the text. Many allusions make reference to previous works of art or literature.

Hey, Einstein, great idea!

 Flashback: an interruption in a narrative (story) that describes events that have already occurred. This device is often used to provide the reader with background information about specific characters, events, and plot points related to the story.

 Foreshadow: when an author indirectly hints at—through things such as dialogue, description, or characters’ actions—what’s to happen later on in the story. This device is often used to introduce tension to a narrative.

Think of an antagonist who utters the phrase, “you better watch out,” implying they will try to harm the protagonist later on in the story

 Hyperbole: an exaggerated statement that's not meant to be taken literally by the reader. It is often used for comedic effect and/or emphasis.

In the poem, “Madam and Rent Man” by Langston Hughes, Madam says “Before I'd pay/I'd go to Hades/And rot away!” Which cannot be literally true, but is used to exaggerate her point that she refuses to pay her rent.

 Imagery: when an author describes a scene, thing, or idea so that it appeals to our senses (taste, smell, sight, touch, or hearing). This device is often used to help the reader clearly visualize parts of the story

When all at once I saw a crowd, A host of golden Daffodils; Beside the Lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

 Personification: when a nonhuman figure or other abstract concept or element is described as having human-like qualities or characteristics.

Lightning danced across the sky last night

 Symbolism: refers to the use of an object, figure, event, situation, or other idea in a written work to represent something else. For example, an object is used to represent or symbolize something that actually has deeper meaning.

In the story, “Early Autumn” by Langston Hughes, the mention of Mary’s son’s name being Bill is used to symbolize her inability to move on after breaking up with Bill.

 Tone: the writer or narrator's attitude towards a subject

Examples include sarcastic, passionate, loving, peaceful, humorous (and lots more...think: adjectives that describe feeling!)

 Oxymoron: a combination of two words that, together, express a contradictory (opposite) meaning. This device is often used for emphasis and for humor.

Deafening silence, insanely logical, sweet sorrow, act naturally

 Metaphor: when an author compares one thing to another. The two things being described usually share something in common but are unalike in all other aspects.

But [I’ve] never ever been a blue calm sea I have always been a storm Lyrics by Stevie Nicks

 Simile: a comparison between two unlikely things that uses like or as.

Her hair was smooth as silk

 Idiom: a common expression that’s literal meaning is different from its implied meaning

I gave her the cold shoulder (literally means: I ignored her); I’m all ears (literally means: you have my full attention) What other expressions do you hear from day to day?

 Theme: sometimes called the author’s message, moral, or lesson learned from reading the story. Authors can use the actions/thoughts/speech of the main character to imply theme(s); however, theme can be developed through other characters/plot points as well.

Potential themes from the story Rikki-tikki-tavi by Rudyard Kipling include: when someone is kind to you, return the favor; bravery can help us achieve great things; use your strengths to your advantage

 Inference: a conclusion reached by the reader on the basis of evidence and reasoning from the text.

In the story, “Thank You, Ma’am” by Langston Hughes, I can infer that the young boy respects Mrs. Jones by choosing to stay and prove his trustworthiness when having the opportunity to run out the door.