Activity D2Literary/Rhetorical Devices

Similes

Page 16“By eight o’clock weariness had settled into our veins like molten lead.” This is a simile because it is comparing the weariness they felt to molten lead because it weighs down on their hearts.

Metaphors

Page 21“The stars were sparks immense fire that were consuming us.” This is a metaphor because it is comparing the stars and fire without using like or as.

Personification

Page 84"Around me everything was dancing a dance of death. It made my head reel" This is personification because it is personifying the pronoun everything which isn't a human but giving it human characteristics.

Verbal Irony

Page 95  "Why not, I like to give charity“ This was happening when Elie and his father were in the cattle cart and men were throwing bread into the cart. It is ironic because this generally innocent statement has a bad double meaning.

Direct Characterization

Page 13 “ They called him Moche the Beadle-

physically he was awkward as a clown.”

This is direct characterization because the author is describing the character through the text.

Indirect Characterization

Page 17 “Poor fellow, he’s gone mad.” This is describing Moche the Beadle

through dialogue which makes it indirect and not directly from the author.

Foreshadowing

Page 33 “Fire! I can see a fire! I can see a fire!” This is Madame Schaffer foreshadowing

the gas chambers which will be in the concentration camps.

External Conflict

Page 39 “ you shut your trap, you filthy swine,

or Ill squash you right now!” This is external conflict because the SS

officers are threatening to harm Elie and his father.

Internal Conflict

Page 42 “For the first time, I felt revolt rise up in

me. Why should I bless his name?” This is internal conflict because Elie is

struggling with himself to find faith in God during this horrible time.

Irony

Page 53 “I’m going to see them tomorrow.

They’ll be sure to have good news.” “We were not to see him again.”

This is ironic because it was expected that his wife and children were alive and that is what he was living for. It turns out they were not so he stopped fighting to live.