Literary Divices

Alliteration

The repetition of the same initial consonant sound in a series of words, usually close together. It's often used for a pleasing effect and to create a rhythm.

"Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers."

Allusion

A brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance. Authors assume the reader will recognize the reference and understand the context it adds.

”He was a real Romeo with the ladies." (Alludes to Romeo and Juliet )

Flashback

An interruption in the narrative to show an event that happened at an earlier time. It's used to provide background information or explain a character's current situation.

In a story about a character afraid of the water, a flashback might show a scene from their childhood when they nearly drowned.

Foreshadowing

A literary device in which a writer gives an advance hint of what is to come later in the story. This creates suspense and prepares the reader for future events.

A character might repeatedly mention feeling cold, which foreshadows their eventual death in a blizzard.

Hyperbole

An extreme exaggeration used for emphasis or effect. It is not meant to be taken literally.

"I'm so hungry I could eat a horse."

Metaphor

A direct comparison between two unlike things without using "like" or "as." It states that one thing is another to suggest a similarity.

"The classroom was a zoo." (Compares the classroom's chaos to a zoo.)

Onomatopeia

A word that imitates the natural sound of a thing. It helps create a sensory experience for the reader.

"The buzzing bee flew past my ear." (The word "buzzing" sounds like a bee.)

Personification

A figure of speech in which a thing, an idea, or an animal is given human attributes or feelings.

"The sun smiled down on us." (Gives the sun the human action of smiling.)

Simile

A comparison between two unlike things using the words "like" or "as."

"Her eyes were as blue as the ocean."