Synecdoche in Literature

  • 11th Grade,
  • 12th Grade
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| Attempts: 11 | Questions: 15 | Updated: Jan 5, 2026
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1. “The Western wave was all aflame.” : Byron, The Destruction of Sennacherib. What does “wave” represent?

Explanation

“Wave” stands for the entire sea, using a part to represent the whole.

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About This Quiz
Synecdoche In Literature - Quiz

Authors frequently use synecdoche to create vivid imagery and deeper meaning. In this synecdoche in literature quiz, you’ll analyze how writers apply this device in poems, stories, and passages. You’ll examine how small details stand in for larger ideas, explore symbolic meaning, and see how synecdoche supports theme and characterization.... see moreEach question deepens your understanding of how this technique enriches literary expression.
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2. Synecdoche can appear in both poetry and prose.

Explanation

Synecdoche is used in many forms of writing, including poems, plays, speeches, and stories.

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3. “O no! it is an ever-fixed mark / That looks on tempests and is never shaken.” : Shakespeare, Sonnet 116. Here, “mark” refers to:

Explanation

“Mark” represents the steadfast nature of true love, using a single image to stand for a larger idea.

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4. Match the line to its meaning

Explanation

“All hands” and “ears” are synecdoche because they use body parts to represent people or attention, while “White House” is metonymy because it represents government by association.

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5. Using a nation’s name for its athletes is synecdoche.

Explanation

The country name represents specific people (athletes), making it whole-for-part synecdoche.

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6. “The checkered flag waved.” What does it represent?

Explanation

The checkered flag is a particular object that represents the end of a race.

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7. Synecdoche can express emotion through imagery.

Explanation

By focusing on a meaningful part, synecdoche can make emotions feel more concrete and vivid.

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8. “The heart of the city was alive with sound.” What does “heart” symbolize?

Explanation

“Heart” represents the central or most important part of the city.

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9. “The sails glided across the sea.” “Sails” refers to:

Explanation

“Sails” stands for entire ships, using a visible part to represent the whole.

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10. Synecdoche helps readers:

Explanation

By using concrete parts to represent larger ideas, synecdoche helps readers picture concepts more clearly.

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11. "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears." : Shakespeare, Julius Caesar. What does "ears" represent?

Explanation

“Ears” is a part of the body used to represent attention and listening, not literal ears, making it synecdoche.

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12. “The gray beard approached the door.” What does “gray beard” stand for?

Explanation

“Gray beard” refers to an older man, using a physical feature to represent the whole person.

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13. Using “suits” to mean “businesspeople” is an example of ________.

Explanation

“Suits” refers to people who wear them, using a part or visible feature to represent a group.

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14. Which phrase does NOT include synecdoche?

Explanation

“The books are calling my name” uses personification, not synecdoche.

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15. Authors use synecdoche to give writing ________ and economy.

Explanation

Authors use synecdoche to give writing vividness and economy. Explanation: Synecdoche makes writing more vivid and expressive while using fewer words.

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“The Western wave was all aflame.” : Byron, The Destruction of...
Synecdoche can appear in both poetry and prose.
“O no! it is an ever-fixed mark / That looks on tempests and is...
Match the line to its meaning
Using a nation’s name for its athletes is synecdoche.
“The checkered flag waved.” What does it represent?
Synecdoche can express emotion through imagery.
“The heart of the city was alive with sound.” What does...
“The sails glided across the sea.” “Sails” refers to:
Synecdoche helps readers:
"Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears." : Shakespeare,...
“The gray beard approached the door.” What does “gray beard”...
Using “suits” to mean “businesspeople” is an example of...
Which phrase does NOT include synecdoche?
Authors use synecdoche to give writing ________ and economy.
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