Literary Techniques

Technique Definition Example

Imagery Language that appeals to the 5
senses: sight, sound, taste,
touch, smell

Denotation Dictionary definition of the word
Connotation Emotions or ideas associated
with a word; implied meaning

Allusion Reference to something in
history or literature

Alliteration the occurrence of the same
consonant letter or sound at
the beginning of adjacent or
closely connected words

Rhyme Two or more words that have
the same ending sound

Rhythm Beat or pattern created with
the words; similar to the
movement of a song

Irony A conflict between expectation
and reality or between words
and intentions

Paradox An apparent contradiction that
conveys truth (something that
seems impossible, but is
possible)

Oxymoron a figure of speech in which two
apparently contradictory terms
appear together

Figurative Language language created with
words and phrases which dont
mean what they first appear to
mean

Hyperbole A statement of over
exaggeration

Simile Direct comparison of two unlike
things using like or as

Metaphor Direct comparison between two
unlike things (NO like or as)

Personification Giving human attributes to a
creature, idea, or object
(something non-human)

Apostrophe Direct address to an inanimate
object or idea

Symbol An idea or object that represents
something beyond its own self

Tone Attitude revealed toward the
subject