Romeo and Juliet Literary Terms

Simile Comparing two unlike things using

like or as

She is as gentle as a kitten. Her voice is like nails on a

chalkboard.

Metaphor Comparison between two unlike

things in which one becomes the other.

Diana was a cobra, striking at anyone who got too close.

Personification Giving human characteristics to

nonhuman things.

The flowers danced to the tune of the wind.

Imagery Language that appeals to the senses

The pitter patter of the rain soothed the anxious boy as watched the trains barrel by the stations.

Oxymoron A figure of speech that combines

contradictory terms

Act naturally Seriously funny Clearly misunderstood

Pun The use of words to suggest other

meanings; a play on words

I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger. Then it hit me.

Don’t try to write with a broken pencil. It’s pointless.

Alliteration Repetition of consonant sounds at the

beginning of words

The lovely lass looked longingly at Leo.

Allusion A brief, usually indirect, reference to

a person, place, or event – real or fiction.

Foreshadowing The use of hints or clues to suggest

what will come later.

Murder Mystery

Foil A character who contrasts another

character to highlights specific features.

Jekyll and Hyde Harry Potter and Malfoy

Sonnet You should have this one in the bag.

No need to elaborate.

Monologue A long speech given by a character to

another character

Soliloquy A long speech given by a character

when no other characters are on screen

Aside Words spoken to the audience which

is not “heard” by other characters

Dramatic Irony When the audience knows something the

characters do not• See you tomorrow!

Good to Know: Verbal Irony – Words conveying a meaning

exactly opposite of their literal meaning• That bed is as soft as concrete.

Situational Irony – When actions have an opposite effect of what was intended• Wizard of Oz