Literary devices - Roman Tylka

Simile

A comparison that uses “like” or “as”

Metaphor

A direct comparison between two different things without “like” or “as”

Analogy

A comparison between two things to explain or clarify an idea

Personification

Giving human-like qualities to inanimate objects

Allusion

A reference to a well-known place, event, or work of literature

Imagery

Descriptive language the appeals to the five senses

Anecdote

A short, personal story told to make a point or illustrate an idea.

Rhetorical question

A question for effect, not to get an actual answer

Repetition

Using the same word, phrase more than once for emphasis

Parallel structure

Using the same grammatical form to show balance or equality in ideas

Paradox

A statements that seems to contradict itself but may reveal truth

Idiom

A common phrase whose meaning is different from the literal words

Symbol

An object, character, or image that stands for a deeper meaning

Tone

The author’s attitude toward the subject or audience, shown through word choice and style

Hyperbole

An extreme exaggeration used for emphasis of effect