Literary Devices

Alliteration

Alliteration is when neighboring words start with the same sound. (Sally sells seashells by the sea shore)

Allusion

A reference to another work, a person, place, thing, statement, event, that is known from literature, history, religion, popular culture, etc.; a reference to something that your audience will understand. (Achilles heel)

Anaphora

The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive sentences or clauses to create rhythm, emphasize a point, or evoke emotion. (“We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills…”)

Hyperbole

Exaggeration (Dying of laughter)

Imagery

Descriptive language (Visual, auditory, tactile, etc.)

Juxtaposition

the act of two things being placed close together with contrasting effect (Difference between light and dark)

Metaphor

A comparison between two unlike things NOT using “Like” or “As” (love is a rose)

Mood

creates an emotional atmosphere or feeling in a work of literature, influencing the reader's emotional response.

Oxymoron

a phrase that combines two words that are seemingly opposites or contradictory (parting is such sweet sorrow)

Personification 

giving human characteristics to something that is not human (the wind screams)

Repetition 

when a significant word or phrases is repeated intentionally, for effect.

Rhyme

(Rhyme crime slime time)

Simile

a comparison between two unlike things using “like” or “as” (quick like a bunny)

Symbol

the use of words or images to specific concepts, people, objects, or events; figurative or implied representations

Tone

conveys the author's or narrator's attitude toward the subject matter or audience