englis literally terms

Allegory is a symbolic device in which characters or events in a story represent or symbolize ideas and concepts.

Alliteration is the repetition of an initial consonant sound. This literary term is often used in poetry.

Allusion is a figure of speech where the author refers to a subject matter such as a person, place, event, or literary work in a passing reference. It is up to the reader to make a connection to the subject being mentioned.

Anagrams are a literary device wherein the writer jumbles up parts of a word(s) to create a new word.

An analogy is a comparison between two things for the purpose of explanation or clarification.

Anthropomorphism occurs when a human quality, emotion, or ambition is given to a non-human object or being.

Antithesis is used when the writer puts two sentences of contrasting meanings close to one another.

A figure of speech in which the speaker addresses an object, concept, or person (often absent) that is unable to respond.

An archetype is a concept, person, or object that has served as a universally understood prototype of its kind. Archetypes are immediately identifiable and can be overused.

Atmosphere is created when the setting or scene elicits an emotional response in the reader/viewer.

A caricature is a simple image showing the features of its subject in a simplified or exaggerated way. In literature, a caricature is a description of a person using exaggeration of some characteristics and oversimplification of others.

A cliché is an expression, idea, or element which has become overused to the point of losing its original meaning, even to the point of being trite or irritating.

A cliffhanger or cliffhanger ending is a plot device in fiction which features a main character in a precarious or difficult dilemma (or confronted with a shocking revelation) at the end of an episode of serialized fiction. A cliffhanger is used to ensure the audience will return to see how the characters resolve the dilemma.

In a story, conflict is the struggle between opposing forces. There are 4 types: p vs person p vs society p vs self p vs enviorment

A word that has a connotation has, in addition to its straightforward dictionary meaning, a secondary meaning. A word’s connotations can usually be formulated as a series of qualities, contexts, and emotional responses commonly associated with it.

The literal or primary meaning of a word, in contrast to the feelings or ideas that the word suggests. It is the dictionary definition of a word.

An epithet is a descriptive device. It is usually used to add to a person’s or place’s regular name and attribute some special quality to it. Epithets are remarkable in that they become a part of common usage over time.

The term euphemism is used to refer to the use of a comparatively milder or less harsh form of a negative description instead of its original form. This device is used when writing about matters such as sex, violence, death, crimes, and anything “embarrassing”.

A category of artistic composition, as in music or literature, characterized by similarities in form, style, or subject matter.

The term ‘foil’ refers to a literary device where the author creates a character whose primary purpose is to create a contrast to another character by laying emphasis, or drawing attention to, the differences.

The literary device foreshadowing refers to the use of words/phrases that give hints to the reader of something that is going to happen without revealing the story or spoiling the suspense. Foreshadowing is used to suggest an upcoming outcome to the story.

Hyperbole is an exaggeration in writing that is used for effect.

An expression that is peculiar to itself grammatically or cannot be understood from the individual meanings of its elements but is understood by most people.

Verbal irony (similar to sarcasm) occurs when a writer makes a statement in which the actual meaning differs from the meaning that the words appear to express.