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.

AllusionA 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 VoiceDEF = 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 FoilDEF = 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!

DictionAuthor’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 her mother.

“Excuse me, sir, but I think you dropped your glove,” said the young lady.

Remember – analyzing DICTION helps us understand

TONE!

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!

ImageryDEF = 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.

SymbolismWhen an object, person, or place is

used to represent an idea larger than just itself

Symbolism is used to add deeper meaningTHINK…

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?