Literary Devices

1. Literary Devices Saint Maybe by Anne Tyler

2. Foreshadowing • Foreshadowing is HINTS about what may be coming later in the text. • To fully understand foreshadowing, you must use your INFERENCING SKILLS and “read between the lines.” THINK…In this example – what coming event is foreshadowed? What are our hints? As Henry was falling asleep, he thought he heard a creaking noise from the floor above his bedroom. He listened carefully, but didn’t hear the noise again. Trying to convince himself he must have been imagining things, Henry closed his eyes and drifted into a restless, nervous sleep.

3. Allusion • A reference to another work or event that adds layers of meaning to a text • THINK… • If I said, “Toby, the Great Dane, was the Zeus of the dog park,” what layers of meaning are added to this description? • What can we understand about Toby based on this mythological allusion?

4. Metaphor • A comparison between two things in which one item is said to be the other THINK… The sharp fangs of the acrid smoke bit into Jenny’s lungs, making it difficult for her to breathe as she tried to escape from the burning building. What two things are being compared in this metaphor?

5. Point of View/Narrative Voice DEF = the persona (personality) of the person/character telling a story. It is important to understand point of view so we can understand what background might be affecting the story we’re reading. THINK… How would a story would change from different character’s perspectives? • How would your point of view/narrative voice differ from your mother’s if you were both telling the story of your most recent argument?

6. Literary Foil DEF = two characters who act and think oppositely (often when in similar situations) – the contrast of these characters helps us see the traits of each one more clearly EXAMPLE: In Macbeth we had multiple foils: • Macbeth and Banquo • Macbeth and Duncan • Macbeth and Malcolm All three are examples of foils – and all for different reasons!

7. Diction • Author’s word choice • Every word in a text was PURPOSEFULLYchosen by the author to make you feel and think a certain way. THINK… The following passage is supposed to make you feel excited. What diction choices accomplish that purpose? “As the clock counted down to the final bell of the school year, Jeremy eyes were glued to the second hand. His skin felt itchy and his eyes were wide. He had to keep reminding himself to breathe. He knew his summer vacation would be filled with fun and relaxation.”

8. Tone DEF = The author’s attitude or the narrator’s/speaker’s attitude in a passage Example: Can you identify the tone? • “Oh, yeah, I’m sure you really tried to make it to my dance recital,” snarked the teenager to her mother. • “Excuse me, sir, but I think you dropped your glove,” said the young lady. Remember – analyzing DICTION helps us understand TONE!

9. Mood DEF = the overall emotion of a short passage or whole text Example: Can you identify the mood? • In a darkforest near midnight, the isolatedcampers were sleeping when they suddenlyheard a scratchingnoiseoutside of their tent. Analyzing DICTION can also help us understand MOOD!

10. Imagery DEF = descriptions that appeal to any or all of our five senses: sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell – imagery makes a text come alive for a reader Example: What senses are involved here? • As Rachel bit into the crisp, juicy apple, the tart, sour flavor made her jaw ache just a little at the hinge.

11. Symbolism • When an object, person, or place is used to represent an idea larger than just itself • Symbolism is used to add deeper meaning THINK… Symbolism can be seen all around us every single day. What larger ideas are the following symbols used to represent?

12. Essential Question #1 – Topic = Family • In your life, how important is family? • What does family give you? • How would American society be different if families didn’t stay together and help one another?

13. Essential Question #2 – Topic = Objectivity • Can any person ever be truly objective? (objective = only looking at facts without emotions/schema affecting his p.o.v.) • How can a lack of objectivity hurt a person? • How can a lack of objectivity hurt relationships?

14. Essential Question #3 – Topic = Forgiveness • Do people need to earn forgiveness? • Do we all have a responsibilityto forgive one another? • How can holding onto guilt and grudges hurt people?

15. Essential Question #4 – Topic = Second Chances • Does everyonedeserve a second chance after he or she has made a mistake? Third chances? Fourth? • Are mistakes ever SOOOO bad that second chances should NOTbe granted? If yes, give an example. • How would you feel if people stoppedgiving you second chances?