Literary Tools

Literary Tools #1 ALLITERATION – The repetition of the same consonant sounds at the beginning of words. (Example – Sweet, scented stuff) ALLUSION – an implicit reference within a literary work to a historical or literary person, place or event. (Example – In The Secret Life of Bees, August refers to Jane Eyre, a novel by Charlotte Brontë.) IRONY/IRONIC – The contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant, or the difference between what appears to be and what is actually true. Irony is often used to create poignancy or humor. In general, there are three major types of irony used in language: (1) verbal irony – when the words literally state the opposite of the writer’s (or speaker’s) meaning (2) situational irony – when events turn out the opposite of what was expected; when what the characters and readers think ought to happen is not what does happen (3) dramatic irony – when facts or events are unknown to a character in a play or piece of Fiction but known to the reader, audience, or other characters in the work. METAPHOR – a comparison of one thing to another NOT using “like” or “as.” (Example– Life is but a walking shadow, a poor player who struts and frets his hour upon the stage.) ONOMATOPOEIA – the use of words that make sounds. (Example – plop, plop, fizz, fizz, oh, what a relief it is). OXYMORON - a self-contradictory expression (Example: It's the same difference. Or as uttered in Romeo and Juliet, "Parting is such sweet sorrow." PARADOX - A statement that is contradictory on the surface but expresses a deeper truth (Example: For someone with such a warm personality, you have a cold heart) PERSONIFICATION – The use of human characteristics to describe animals, things or ideas. (Example – The sun was smiling on the sunbathers). PUN - A pun is a word employed in two senses, or a word used in a context that suggests a second term sounding like it. Puns are usually used for comic effect. (“During the two previous centuries musical styles went in one era and out the other.”) SIMILE - a comparison of two things that seem unalike, using the words, “like” or as.” (Example – My love is like a red, red rose.)

SYMBOLISM - a symbol or object that stands for another word or object. The object or word can be seen with the eye or not visible. (Example: a dove stands for peace or purity. The dove can be seen and peace or purity cannot)