Literary Terms # 2 MC

The most specific or literal meaning of a word is used.

Example: Her shirt is blue.

The specific techniques that an author (or writer) uses to relay an intended message in their writing.

Examples: imagery, word choice, tone, flashback

Language that creates an impression involving the senses.

Example-visual/eyes, auditory/ears, tactile/touch, taste, etc.

I came inside because the house smells of chocolate brownie.

Substituting a mild or pleasant phrase or word for a harsh phrase or word.

Example- saying "pass away" instead of "to die"

A hyper and dramatic exaggeration.

Example-I had so much homework that I needed a truck to carry it home!

Regional or local expressions in a language. The meaning is not literal and sometimes sounds idiotic!

Examples-Hold your horses! or Give me some sugar (a kiss).

A figure of speech where something is described as being something else, but the words "like" and "as" are not used.

Example-Her eyes were saucers, opened in fear.

A figure of speech in which something is described as though it is something else, but the words "like" or "as" are not used. Also, the expression is used (or extended) throughout the entire text.

Example-Kino is compared to being an animal throughout The Pearl.

Using the words "like" or "as" to compare two unlike ideas.

Example-His room is as clean as a whistle!

Putting two words together that contradict or seem opposite to each other.

Examples-jumbo shrimp, icy hot, working vacation, exact estimate

A statement that seems to be saying two opposite things.

Examples-less is more, save money by spending it, or this is the beginning of the end.

Giving human (a persons) characteristics to something that is not human .

Examples-The wind howled last night., The sun smiled down on us., or "The flowers nodded in the wind."