Allegory - A symbolism device where the meaning of a greater (often abstract) concept is conveyed with the aid of a more corporeal object or idea used as an example. 

Faith is like a stony uphill climb: a single stumble might send you sprawling but belief and steadfastness will see you to the very top. (usually through metaphors).

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Alliteration - Words are used in quick succession and begin with letters in the same sound group. A repetition of similar sounds in the sentence add character to writing and an element of 'fun' to the piece. 

The Wicked Witch of the West went her own way. 

 

Allusion - A figure of speech where the author refers to a subject matter by way of a passing reference. Reader must make the connection between the subject and reference. 

It's no wonder everyone refers to Mary as another Mother Theresa in the making; she loves to help and care after people everywhere - from the streets to her own friends. 

 

Anagram - Writer jumbles up parts of the word to create a new word; allows writer to infuse mystery and interactive fun in the writing. 

Instead of debit card, author writes bad credit.    

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Analogy - Establish a relationship based on similarities between two concepts or ideas, convey a new idea using an old one for basic understanding. 

In the same way as one cannot have the rainbow without the rain, one cannot achieve success and riches without hard work. 

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Anastrophe - Writing noun before adjective; creates drama and gives sentence depth and emphasis. 

He spoke of times past and future, and dreamt of things to be. 

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Anthromorphism - Giving human qualities and emotions and ambitions to non-human objects or beings. 

The raging storm brought with it howling winds and fierce lightning as the residents of the village looked up at the angry sky in alarm. 

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Archetype - A person or object used as a prototype to represent a famous concept or meaning. 

Romeo and Juliet are an archetype of eternal love and a star-crossed love story.

 

Assonance - Repetition of vowel sounds, opposite of assonance. 

A long song (the 'o' sound)

 

Bidungsroman - A form of storytelling, where the story is based on the personal growth of the protagonist. 

Pip from Great Expectations. His ideas, hopes, dreams, and social status; how his behavior changed. 

 

Cacophony - The use of words or phrases that imply strong, harsh sounds. 

His fingers rapped and pounded the doors, and his foot thumped against the yellowing wood. 

 

Characterization - Author introduces and step-by-step describes a character (directly/indirectly)

Micheal Corelone was not jus' a mafiaso, but a family man. A man who walked the knife's edge to preserve his sanity. 

 

Conflict - Expressing a resistance to the protagonist in achieving his/her aims or dreams (could be external, internal or different factors).

John tried to convince himself that his Hollywood dreams were worth the struggle but his parents, and his inner voice of reason, failed to agree. 

 

Connotation - Associations people make with words that go beyond the literal definition. These words create emotions or feelings in the reader. 

And once again, the autumn leaves were falling. The use of autumn signifies that something is coming to an end; change of season.   

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Consonance - Repetition of sounds produced by consonants in a sentence. 

He stuck a streak of bad luck. 

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Diction - An author's choice of words, mood, attitude, dialect and style of writing. 

E.g. The use of 'thy', 'thee' and 'wherefore' by authors in modern work to imbue a Shakespearean mood to their work.  

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Euphemism - Using comparatively milder terms to describe embarrassing subjects.

'doing it' for sex, 'passed away' for died, 'downsizing' for mass firing, 'tipsy' for drunk. 

 

Flashback - Author depicts the occurrence of past events to the reader.

Back in the day when Sara was a young girl...

 

Foreshadowing - Use of indicative words or phrases to set the stage for what is about to happen without ruining the plot.

He had no idea of the disastrous chain of events to follow. 

 

Hyperbaton - Using a different sentence structure to add depth and interest to sentence structure. 

Alone he walked on the cold, lonely roads. 

 

Hyperbole - Words used to exaggerate and overemphasize the basic crux of the statement. 

I am so tired I cannot walk another inch / I'm so hungry I could eat a horse. 

 

Imagery - Words and phrases used to create 'mental images' for the reader (all five senses evoked). 

The gushing brook stole its way down the lush green mountains, dotted with tony flowers in a riot of colors and trees coming alive with gaily chirping birds. 

 

Irony - Meaning implied by a sentence is actually different from the literal meaning. 

Oh! What fine luck I have! (When someone is having bad luck - kind of like sarcasm)

 

Metaphor - One subject in comparison to another to show the similar traits. 

Henry was a lion on the battle field. 

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Onomatopoeia - Sound words that are pronounced the way the sounds actually sound like.     

Grunt, huff, buzz, snap. 

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Personification - Attaching human traits to inanimate objects, phenomena and animals. 

The raging winds, the wise owl, the warm and comforting fire. 

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Symbolism - Several layers of meaning, often concealed at first, representative of several other aspects. 

'A new dawn' symbolizes a new beginning or start.