Literary terms

3. A comparison of one thing to another using ‘like’ or ‘as’ to make the description
5. The endowment of human characteristics to something that is not human
7. Rhyming words within a line rather than at the end of lines
10. At its simplest level, it means saying one thing while meaning another. It occurs where a word or phrase has one surface meaning but another contradictory, possibly opposite meaning is implied. It is often confused with sarcasm. Sarcasm is spoken, relying on the tone of voice and is much more blunt
11. Ordinary, everyday speech and language
14. A verse line with a pause or stop at the end of it
17. The repetition of the same consonant sound, especially at the beginning of words
18. The prevailing mood created by a piece of writing
19. The repetition of similar vowel sounds

1. The use of words to create a picture or “image” in the mind of the reader. These images can relate to any of the senses, not just sight
2. The choice of words a writer uses. Another word for “vocabulary”
4. Language that is symbolic or metaphorical and not meant to be taken literally
6. Use of language where the meaning is unclear or has two or more possible meanings or interpretations. It could be created by a weakness in the writer’s expression, but it is more likely it is a deliberate device used by the writer to create layers of meaning
8. A reference to another event, person, place or work of literature. The allusion is usually implied rather than explicit and provides another layer of meaning to what is being said
9. Implications or associations attached to a word or phrase. It is suggested or felt rather than being explicit, e.g. red = anger
12. A line of verse that flows on into the next line without a pause
13. A comparison of one thing to another to make the description
15. A particular type of writing – e.g. prose, poetry, drama
16. A feeling on the part of the reader of sharing the particular experience being described by the character or writer