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© 2024 SAT/Sphere. All rights reserved.
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Familiarize yourself with essential literary devices that are frequently tested on the SAT.
Explore key literary devices, such as metaphor, irony, and foreshadowing, that you need to know for SAT literature success.
Literary devices are the backbone of reading comprehension in SAT Literature Exams. When authors craft poems, short stories, or dramatic works, they rely on specific tools—such as metaphor, irony, or symbolism—to convey deeper meanings and evoke emotional responses. Recognizing these devices isn’t just about memorizing definitions; it’s about developing a keen eye for the hidden layers of a text. By mastering how to spot and interpret these techniques, you’ll engage with passages more critically and accurately answer questions related to tone, theme, and authorial intent.
On the SAT, you might encounter passages from a variety of periods and genres, ranging from Shakespearean sonnets to modern prose. In each piece, literary devices function as signposts that guide you toward the central themes and the emotional undercurrents of the text. For instance, a subtle use of foreshadowing can hint at future conflicts or resolutions, while a well-placed metaphor can reveal how a character feels about their environment. The test creators often ask you to identify how these techniques shape the passage’s overall meaning, so it’s crucial to be familiar with them.
Many students assume that learning literary devices is a rote memorization exercise. In reality, it’s more beneficial to practice applying them in context. For example, suppose you notice a passage describing dawn as “the universe’s silent crescendo.” If you recognize the device as a metaphor, you can delve deeper: Why might the author compare sunrise to a musical crescendo? Is it to convey hope? Anticipation? Or maybe a subtle shift in the protagonist’s mindset? This kind of analysis is exactly what SAT Literature questions aim to elicit.
By developing your critical reading skills, you’ll also strengthen your interpretive writing, which can be an asset for the optional essay on the general SAT or any extended response on the SAT Literature subject test (if you encounter older practice materials, since subject tests have been phased out). In the sections that follow, we’ll break down some of the most common literary devices you’re likely to encounter, illustrating their definitions, theoretical nuances, and practical examples. Even if you’ve seen these terms before, refreshing your knowledge and testing yourself with real passages will sharpen your ability to spot them quickly—an invaluable skill under exam conditions.
Below is a quick-reference table that covers key literary devices frequently appearing on SAT Literature Exams. Each entry includes a basic definition, a theoretical explanation, and a few illustrative examples—some drawn from famous works, others invented for clarity. Use this table as a launchpad before diving deeper into each device in the following sections.
| Device | Definition | Theoretical Explanation | Practical Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metaphor | A comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as.” | Metaphors link concepts to convey deeper insights or emotional resonance. They work by mapping attributes of one thing onto another. | - “All the world’s a stage” (Shakespeare) |
| Irony | A contrast between expectation and reality. | Irony can reveal hidden meanings, emphasize contradictions, or produce humor. It appears in verbal, situational, or dramatic forms. | - Verbal irony: Saying “Lovely weather!” during a storm. |
| Foreshadowing | Hints or clues indicating what will happen later in a narrative. | By planting subtle indicators, authors prepare readers for future events or revelations. Builds tension and anticipation. | - “He sensed a storm coming, though the sky remained clear.” |
| Symbolism | Using symbols—objects, characters, or events—to represent broader ideas. | Symbols provide layers of meaning, often linking the literal with the abstract, such as emotions or philosophical concepts. | - A broken mirror representing fractured identity. |
| Personification | Assigning human attributes to nonhuman objects or entities. | This device evokes empathy or connection by letting readers perceive objects/animals as if they have human experiences. | - “The wind howled in protest.” |
| Imagery | Descriptive language that appeals to the five senses. | By engaging sight, sound, smell, taste, or touch, imagery creates vivid mental pictures that enhance emotional impact. | - “The crisp scent of pine hung in the frosty air.” |
| Simile | A comparison between two unlike things using “like” or “as.” | Similar to a metaphor but more direct. Similes can quickly clarify traits or intensify images by relating them to known qualities. | - “She’s as cunning as a fox.” |
Use this chart to familiarize yourself with the bedrock concepts. In the next sections, we’ll unpack each device in greater detail, looking at how the SAT might test your understanding and how you can spot them in real passages.
Metaphor and simile often appear in the same breath because they both compare two unlike things, albeit in slightly different ways. A metaphor states that one thing is another, while a simile uses connecting words like “like” or “as.” Despite this small distinction, both devices help writers convey ideas more vividly. When the SAT Literature Exam features questions on figurative language, it’s common to see these devices at the forefront.
Metaphors can be explicit—“Her eyes were burning embers, radiating anger”—or more subtle, as in an extended metaphor where an entire paragraph compares a political conflict to a chess game. The key to identifying a metaphor is to look for statements that fuse two elements together without “like” or “as.” For instance, if a text says, “The old house was a fortress,” you’re dealing with a metaphor that transforms a regular dwelling into a stronghold. This gives the reader insight: maybe the house is imposing, safe, or guarded, reflecting the personality of those who reside within.
Metaphors can also carry symbolic weight. Let’s say the protagonist in a novel is described as “a lone wolf.” Beyond the immediate comparison, it implies independence, possible isolation, or fierce self-reliance. SAT questions might ask how this metaphor shapes your understanding of the character’s motivations or emotional state.
Similes are more direct, using words like “like” or “as” to create the link. Consider “She floated into the room like a lingering cloud,” which might suggest an ethereal or gentle presence. With similes, you can often see the comparison spelled out plainly, which makes them easier to spot than metaphors. The challenge sometimes lies in interpreting why the comparison exists. You might get a question like, “What does the simile suggest about the character’s demeanor?” The correct answer would connect the cloud’s qualities—softness, calmness, or even unpredictability—to the character’s essence.
Questions on the exam may ask you to identify a simile or a metaphor in a passage, or they might probe how the figurative comparison affects tone. When you see figurative language, pause and consider the deeper connotations. What qualities are being transferred between the two elements? Does it set a romantic, ominous, or whimsical mood? The better you get at deciphering these implications, the more accurately you can tackle reading questions about the author’s purpose or the thematic resonance of certain phrases.
Practicing with actual SAT Literature passages is the best way to refine your skills. Look for lines in which authors describe objects or characters in imaginative ways. Ask yourself: “Is this a metaphor or simile? What meaning does it convey?” Over time, you’ll learn to pick these out quickly and integrate that insight into your overall interpretation of the text.
Irony is one of the most versatile literary devices, appearing in everything from sarcastic one-liners to full-blown plot twists. Because it can be subtle or overt, irony often catches less attentive readers off-guard, which is why the SAT Literature Exam sometimes uses it to test your analytical skills. Understanding irony’s different forms—verbal, situational, and dramatic—can significantly enhance your ability to interpret literature.
Verbal irony occurs when someone says the opposite of what they truly mean, usually to convey sarcasm or humor. A classic example is a student muttering, “Oh, wonderful!” when they find out there’s a pop quiz. The SAT might test your comprehension by asking something like: “Which literary device best describes the speaker’s statement?” If you see a mismatch between the speaker’s literal words and their intended meaning, chances are it’s verbal irony.
Situational irony arises when events turn out differently (often the opposite) from what was expected. Picture a champion swimmer who drowns in a bathtub or a pilot who is afraid of heights. These scenarios stand out precisely because they defy logical expectations, sparking reflection or highlighting a theme. If an SAT passage features a storyline where a fire station catches on fire, that’s a prime example of situational irony. A question might ask, “What effect does this ironic outcome have on the tone of the passage?” Answering effectively requires identifying the contradiction and explaining its emotional or thematic impact.
Dramatic irony occurs when the audience or reader is aware of information that characters in the text are not. Consider Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet: the audience knows Juliet is merely in a drug-induced sleep, but Romeo believes her to be dead. This gap in knowledge heightens tension and tragedy. An SAT question might ask you to determine how dramatic irony shapes the reader’s perception of a character’s actions. Often, it magnifies suspense or pathos, allowing readers to anticipate the heartbreak or resolution in ways the characters cannot.
The SAT might show you a short passage in which characters speak or act under illusions or misunderstandings. Pay attention to contradictions between stated intentions and actual circumstances. If you sense a tongue-in-cheek tone, guess that the author might be employing verbal irony to critique or mock a situation. Similarly, if the plot leads to an outcome that starkly contrasts the setup, you may be dealing with situational irony. Recognizing the exact form can help you answer tone and theme questions with greater precision.
In studying irony, it’s useful to practice with real texts—be they short stories, excerpts of plays, or comedic essays. Each instance of irony you detect will add to your “mental library” of examples, making it easier to spot and analyze ironic nuances under time pressure on the exam. Coupled with the other literary devices we’re exploring, irony offers a lens through which authors reveal deeper truths, often by surprising or even amusing the reader.
Foreshadowing is all about subtlety. A single hint dropped early in a narrative can later blossom into a major plot twist or thematic revelation. On the SAT Literature Exam, foreshadowing questions often test your ability to see beyond the immediate plot details—can you sense the author’s roadmap for what’s coming next?
Foreshadowing might manifest through dialogue: a character casually mentions they’re uneasy about traveling to a distant land, setting the stage for danger later. Alternatively, an author might insert symbolic clues—like a dark crow perched on a windowsill—to hint at impending doom. Even the weather can serve as foreshadowing if a sudden storm parallels an emotional storm the protagonist will soon face. The challenge is recognizing these signposts before the narrative payoff occurs.
Writers employ foreshadowing for various reasons. First, it builds suspense. When a reader senses something is brewing, each new development becomes more charged with tension. Second, it fosters cohesion. By weaving subtle clues early, the author ties later events back to the text’s starting points, making the story feel more unified and deliberate. Third, foreshadowing can facilitate a sense of inevitability or fate, particularly in tragedies, where the outcome seems both tragic and unavoidable because of the early hints.
The SAT might present a short story excerpt where seemingly small details—like a character locking a drawer or forgetting a diary—end up shaping the narrative’s climax. A common type of question is: “Which element in the second paragraph foreshadows the protagonist’s eventual choice?” If you notice repeated emphasis on a single object or an uneasy feeling that recurs, that’s a signal. Look for adjectives that carry weight, like “ominous,” “foreboding,” or “uneasily,” as they can act as textual red flags.
Keep in mind that not all hints are overt. Some authors deliberately bury them in mundane descriptions. A reference to a minor health complaint in the first act of a play might set up a fatal illness in the third act. Or, a character’s fleeting thought about a locked attic could herald a major reveal—like a hidden letter or a family secret. By training yourself to read attentively and note these “breadcrumbs,” you’ll be more likely to answer foreshadowing questions accurately.
When the SAT asks about how a particular line or event foreshadows a future development, the correct answer typically links the “hint” to its eventual outcome and explains the emotional or thematic significance. For instance, if a ring is mentioned in passing, only to become the focal point of a betrayal later, you’d analyze how that early mention sets up the shock or heartbreak of the later scene. Practice with short stories or novel chapters known for suspense—like works by Edgar Allan Poe—to hone your foreshadowing detection skills.
Symbolism imbues objects, characters, or even settings with meaning beyond their literal sense. For the SAT Literature Exam, recognizing symbols helps you unpack the text’s deeper layers. A single image—like a wilting rose or a locked door—may encapsulate a character’s emotional state, a central conflict, or an overarching theme.
Symbols can range from universal archetypes to very context-specific elements:
Sometimes, authors overtly highlight a symbol through repeated mentions or vivid descriptions. For instance, if the text frequently references a storm gathering in the background, it might symbolize an impending emotional or literal conflict. At other times, the symbolism is subtle—a fleeting mention that demands close reading. Characters might interact with a symbolic object in a decisive moment, signaling how it ties into the character’s personal journey.
On the SAT, a question might read: “What does the repeated imagery of the locked gate most likely symbolize in the context of the passage?” The correct answer will link the gate’s literal function (blocking entry) with a thematic concept (limitations, fear, or secrecy). Another question might ask: “How does the author’s use of symbolic imagery enhance the overall theme?” In that case, you’d need to articulate how the symbol layers meaning onto the text—illustrating, for example, a character’s struggle for freedom or closure.
Pay close attention to objects or actions the narrative spends extra time describing. If you notice the author returning again and again to a single, seemingly mundane item—a piece of jewelry, a weather pattern, or a particular color—that repetition often signals deeper significance. Also, watch how characters react: if a necklace triggers intense emotion or a painting is consistently shown in the background, it might carry symbolic weight.
When explaining symbolism in an SAT answer, be sure to connect it to the broader themes or the character arcs. Merely labeling something as a symbol doesn’t suffice; the exam wants you to interpret the why—Why does the locked gate matter to the protagonist’s sense of entrapment? Why does that mockingbird indicate innocence and vulnerability? Mastering this analytical step is crucial for higher-level questions, which often test your ability to see beyond the surface narrative and into the author’s underlying messages.
Personification occurs when nonhuman objects or concepts are given human traits, emotions, or actions. A closely related term is anthropomorphism, which goes a step further by turning animals or objects into more human-like figures, sometimes complete with speech, clothing, or complex thought processes. Understanding both devices is valuable for the SAT Literature Exam because these techniques can subtly reveal a text’s tone or thematic undertones.
When an author writes, “The wind whispered secrets through the trees,” the wind isn’t literally whispering. The phrase is personification, lending a sense of intimacy or mystery to a natural phenomenon. This device frequently appears in poetry, where the poet wants to evoke strong emotions or paint vivid landscapes. In prose, personification can highlight a character’s emotional state by externalizing it in the environment—like describing the sky as “weeping” to mirror a protagonist’s sorrow.
The SAT might ask you to identify how personification affects the mood of a passage. If the test references a line like “Angry waves pounded the shore,” you might be asked whether this portrayal suggests an external conflict or intensifies the scene’s tension. Often, personification is used to create empathy toward the setting or to unite character emotions with environmental cues.
Anthropomorphism is similar but typically more extensive. Think of talking animals in children’s books or entire universes where trees walk and speak, as in The Lord of the Rings. The difference from personification is that anthropomorphism generally involves giving human forms or traits beyond a brief descriptive phrase—like a cat who stands upright and delivers witty remarks. While the SAT rarely presents anthropomorphic fantasies in full, you might encounter a snippet from a fable or allegory. The exam could ask how this choice influences a theme or moral.
Both personification and anthropomorphism can carry moral or thematic significance. Consider George Orwell’s Animal Farm: the animals behave like humans to comment on political power structures. On the SAT, you may need to articulate how such a device underscores social commentary or critiques human nature. Alternatively, a more understated usage might appear in a descriptive passage. If the text gives a forest “wise counsel,” you might interpret that the protagonist finds guidance in nature, tying back to themes of harmony or spirituality.
Practice looking for key verbs: “whispered,” “growled,” “wept,” “celebrated.” If these verbs apply to inanimate objects, it’s personification. If the object is literally portrayed with human characteristics—wearing clothes, speaking, or reasoning—then that’s anthropomorphism. Pinpointing these nuances can add depth to your reading comprehension and help you select the right multiple-choice answer when the test asks about the author’s purpose or the emotional color of a scene.
Literary devices like metaphor, irony, foreshadowing, symbolism, and personification are central to a rich reading experience—and to success on the SAT Literature Exam. While the definitions provide a framework, your real goal is to see how these elements function within the text. Does a metaphor amplify a character’s emotional turmoil? Does foreshadowing create an unsettling atmosphere that culminates in tragedy? Learning to connect each device to broader themes and character arcs is what will elevate your reading comprehension and analysis.
One of the best ways to cultivate these skills is through regular practice with diverse literary works. Short stories, poems, and even dramatic excerpts allow you to encounter a wide range of stylistic choices. After each reading, ask yourself:
Moreover, consider keeping a reading journal where you note intriguing lines or significant symbols. Write brief analyses of why the author might have made those choices. Over time, these reflections will sharpen your instincts for spotting literary techniques swiftly—essential when you’re under the time constraints of an exam.
Finally, remember that these devices can overlap and inform each other. A passage might use an extended metaphor that includes personification, or foreshadow an event through symbolic imagery. The SAT occasionally tests your ability to pick up on these intersections by posing questions that link style and content. If you’re comfortable identifying multiple layers in a single phrase, you’ll be better equipped to navigate even the most complex passages.
In essence, honing your literary device toolkit is about combining knowledge with observation. As you head into the SAT, keep your eyes open for how authors manipulate language to shape emotion and meaning. Each recognized device is a stepping stone toward a deeper reading of the text, enabling you not only to score well on exam questions but also to truly appreciate the art of storytelling. Good luck, and happy reading!
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