LITERARY DEVICES Masque of the Red Death IMAGERY Use of words and phrases to create mental images in the mind of the reader; they are designed to help the reader visualize and more fully experience the text. Often involves use of figurative
language devices to represent objects, actions, and ideas in such a FORESHADOWING Use of particular words or phrases as hints to give the reader an idea of an event that is about to happen. This literary device is used to build suspense in the story. These hints or clues are given without
revealing or spoiling the plot or the suspense. These clues can be weaved into the dialogue between characters, in the descriptions of the story, or in the MOOD Also sometimes called atmosphere. The mood is the affect of the story on the reader. In other words, the feeling a story
or text creates within the reader. Mood can be created in various ways. Some possibilities include: setting, attitude of the narrator (tone), and diction. Through the setting, diction, etc. the author attempts to evoke a certain feeling or emotion from the reader. SUSPENSE Suspense is the intense feeling an audience
goes through while waiting for the outcome of certain events. The reader is in anticipation, waiting for more information to be revealed. Suspense can be built through a series of events that lead to a climax that captivates the audience and makes them anxious for what will happen next. A feeling of discomfort about the unknown. THEME
An authors idea or message about life, society, or human nature. An authors view of life and how people behave. It can provide certain insight about the story. Theme can be determined by examining the characters, plot, conflict, and authors tone. It cannot be expressed in a single word (like courage or friendship.) It should be expressed as a full statement and supported by evidence in the text.
MISC. FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE DEVICES Simile: Comparison of two unlike things using like or as. Ex. The empty house was as quiet as the grave. Metaphor: Comparison of two unlike things without using like or as. Ex. Tom grinned wolfishly as the group approached his house. Personification: Giving human-like qualities to
animals, objects, or abstract ideas for literary or artistic effect. Ex. The wind screamed as it tore across the deck of the dilapidated boat. SYMBOLISM An object or action that means something more than its literal meaning. It represents something more than itself; another person, idea, concept, or trait. These objects can include colors,
numbers, animals, etc. For example, a dove is often symbolic of peace. The color black can be a symbol of death or evil. CHARACTERIZATION How the writer reveals the personality of a character. It can be direct: The author tells the reader what the personality of the character is.
It can be indirect: Instead of directly stating what the characters personality is the author shows things that reveal the personality of the character. THE MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH
