Literary DevicesLiterary Devices

Reading Notes

Dialogue

Conversation that takes place between characters in a story.

Uses “Quotation Marks” to set it apartIt is used to tell more about a character’s

thoughts and feelings and helps readers understand the characters better.

Dialogue: Example

“Sally, get in here and clean your room!” my mom exclaimed.

“Do I have to?” I whined to her as I walked slowly down the hall to my room.

Her eyebrows shot up at me. “Yes, you do. Especially if you expect to go to Marie’s party this weekend,” she said sternly.

I sighed. “Okay, mom. I’m sorry it’s such a mess. I’ll have it cleaned in an hour.”

Imagery

Author uses words or phrases to create “mental images” for the reader.

Helps the reader to visualize the story.The use of metaphors, allusions,

descriptive words and phrases, sensory details, personification, and similes can be referred to as imagery.

Imagery Example

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

Hyperbole (Exaggeration)

A hyperbole is an exaggeration.It is used to create a grander, more

noticeable effect.The purpose is to overly stress a point or

help emphasize an emotion.

Hyperbole (Exaggeration) Example

I am so tired I cannot walk another inch!I’m so sleepy I might fall asleep right here.I’m so hungry I could eat a horse!He makes me want to slap his head off.

Point of View

Depicts the manner in which the story is told and who is telling the story.

It determines the angle and perception of the story unfolding and influences how it will take place.

It can allow or withhold the reader access into greater reaches of the story.

Types of Point of View

First Person – the story is told by the narrator from his/her point of view (uses I)

Third person Limited – told from someone outside of the story who is only able to tell about one character’s thoughts/feelings

Third person Omniscient – told from someone outside of the story; able to tell about all characters’ thoughts/feelings

Point of View Examples

In The Princess Diaries, the story is in 1st person, told by the protagonist herself.

In A Christmas Carol, the story is told in 3rd person limited, where only Scrooge’s thoughts and feelings are revealed.

In The Lord of the Rings, the story is told in 3rd person omniscient, where many of the characters’ thoughts and feelings are revealed. (i. e. Frodo, Sam, Aragon, Gandalf)