Reading: Figurative Language and Literary Devices Flashcards

Which of the following is an example of onomatopoeia?

Answer: The bees buzzed around the hive.

Onomatopoeia refers to words that imitate natural sounds; 'buzzed' sounds like the noise bees make.

An author mentions early in a story that the main character always checks the lock twice. Later, a break-in occurs. This technique is called:

Answer: Foreshadowing

Foreshadowing is when an author gives an early hint or clue about something that will happen later in the story.

In a story, a white dove appears whenever a character experiences peace. The dove most likely functions as a:

Answer: Symbol

Symbolism occurs when an object represents something beyond its literal meaning; the dove represents peace.

Which sentence uses verbal irony (sarcasm)?

Answer: After crashing his car, he said, 'Well, this is just wonderful.'

Verbal irony means saying the opposite of what you mean; calling a car crash 'wonderful' is sarcastic.

What is an oxymoron?

Answer: A combination of contradictory terms used together

An oxymoron pairs two contradictory words to create a paradoxical expression, such as 'deafening silence.'

A flashback in a story primarily serves to:

Answer: Provide background information about past events

A flashback interrupts the present narrative to show scenes from the past, providing context or background.

What does it mean when a passage uses the phrase 'bite the bullet'?

Answer: To endure a painful or difficult situation

The idiom 'bite the bullet' means to endure a painful or difficult situation with courage and without complaint.