Literary TermsDevices Epic a long narrative poem that

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Literary Terms/Devices Epic: a long narrative poem that traces or follows the adventures of

Literary Terms/Devices Epic: a long narrative poem that traces or follows the adventures of a hero Epic Hero: legendary figure who illustrates what is important to a culture or nation of people

Myth A traditional story that is rooted in a particular culture, is religious in

Myth A traditional story that is rooted in a particular culture, is religious in nature, and usually serves to explain a belief, ritual, or a mysterious natural phenomenon.

Monomyth A pattern and trajectory of stories that is common across all cultures and

Monomyth A pattern and trajectory of stories that is common across all cultures and religions- also known as the “hero’s journey” • Comprised of three main stages: separation, initiation, and return • Usually includes a symbolic death and rebirth of central character • Throughout the journey, the character transforms to a newer, improved version him/herself

Literary Terms continued Metaphor: making a comparison between two unlike things to make an

Literary Terms continued Metaphor: making a comparison between two unlike things to make an impression or impact Example: A gull patrolling between the wave crests of the desolate sea will dip to catch a fish, and douse his wings; no higher above the whitecaps Hermes flew…

Literary Terms continued Simile: making a comparison between two unlike things, using “like” or

Literary Terms continued Simile: making a comparison between two unlike things, using “like” or “as, ” to make an impact Example: Now Zeus the lord of the cloud roused in the north a storm against the ships, and driving veils of squall moved down like night on land sea

Literary Terms continued Imagery: highly descriptive language that appeals to one or more of

Literary Terms continued Imagery: highly descriptive language that appeals to one or more of the five senses (sight, sound, taste, touch, smell) Example: “Eyelid and lash were seared; the pierced ball hissed broiling, and the roots popped. ”

Literary Terms continued Personification: a type of figurative language in which a nonhuman/nonliving subject

Literary Terms continued Personification: a type of figurative language in which a nonhuman/nonliving subject is given human/living characteristics Example: “When the young Dawn with fingertips of rose lit up the world…”

Literary Terms continued Symbol: a symbol (symbolism) is anything that stands for or represents

Literary Terms continued Symbol: a symbol (symbolism) is anything that stands for or represents something else. An object that is a symbol has its own meaning, but it also represents abstract ideas.

Alliteration The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. Example from “The

Alliteration The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. Example from “The Raven”: “Deep into the darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering, fearing. Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before.

Onomatopoeia Formation of words that imitate or suggest what they stand for; words that

Onomatopoeia Formation of words that imitate or suggest what they stand for; words that imitate or mimic a sound Example: “swoosh, ” “woof, ” “slap!”

Hyperbole A figure of speech in which the truth is exaggerated for emphasis or

Hyperbole A figure of speech in which the truth is exaggerated for emphasis or humorous effect Example: “That guy is the hottest guy in the whole entire world!” Abby screamed.

Epithet An adjective or descriptive phrase that is regularly used to characterize a person,

Epithet An adjective or descriptive phrase that is regularly used to characterize a person, place, or thing. Examples: honest Abe; America the beautiful; gray-eyed Athena; Poseidon, god of the wine-dark sea; Zeus, lord of the cloud

Homeric (Epic) Simile A storytelling device from the oral tradition that extends a comparison

Homeric (Epic) Simile A storytelling device from the oral tradition that extends a comparison between something the audience cannot have seen and something ordinary that they would know from their everyday lives

Allusion Reference to a statement, a person, a place, or an event from literature,

Allusion Reference to a statement, a person, a place, or an event from literature, history, religion, mythology, politics, sports, science, or pop culture. For an allusion to be effective, it relies upon shared knowledge between the author and the audience.

Literary Terms continued Foreshadowing: giving a hint or a clue as to what is

Literary Terms continued Foreshadowing: giving a hint or a clue as to what is going to happen later in the story…a clue to future events