Literary Devices: Connotations and Imagery

This page introduces fundamental literary devices list GCSE concepts, focusing on connotations, imagery, and rhythm. It explores the power of word associations and memorable images in literature.

Definition: Connotations are the associations or secondary meanings that words carry beyond their literal definitions.

The page also covers semantic fields, which are groups of words related by meaning. Alliteration, a sound device using repeated initial consonants, is introduced as a specific literary technique.

Example: Alliteration example: "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers."

Other devices mentioned include chiasmus (reversed repetition), contrast, and flashback (phalepsis). The page emphasizes the importance of anaphora in speeches, which involves repeating phrases at the beginning of successive clauses.

Highlight: Anaphora is particularly effective in speeches, creating rhythm and emphasis.

Anthropomorphism, assonance, and asyndeton are briefly touched upon, providing a foundation for understanding more complex language techniques in English.

Vocabulary: Cacophony refers to harsh, discordant sounds, often created by repeating hard 'c' sounds.

The page concludes with an introduction to colloquial language and consonance, setting the stage for more advanced literary techniques.