Literary Devices
Saint Maybe by Anne Tyler
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.
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?
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?
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?
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!
Diction
Author’s word choice
Every word in a text was
PURPOSEFULLY chosen 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.”
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
Remember – analyzing DICTION
her mother.
helps us understand TONE!
 “Excuse me, sir, but I think you dropped your
glove,” said the young lady.
Mood
DEF = the overall emotion of a short passage
or whole text
Example: Can you identify the mood?
In a dark forest near midnight, the
isolated campers were sleeping when they
suddenly heard a scratching noise
outside of their tent.
Analyzing DICTION can also help
us understand MOOD!
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.
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?
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?
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?
Essential Question #3 –
Topic = Forgiveness
Do people need to earn forgiveness?
Do we all have a responsibility to forgive one
another?
How can holding onto guilt and grudges hurt
people?
Essential Question #4 –
Topic = Second Chances
Does everyone deserve a second chance after he or
she has made a mistake? Third chances? Fourth?
Are mistakes ever SOOOO bad that second chances
should NOT be granted? If yes, give an example.
How would you feel if people stopped giving you
second chances?