Literary Devices and Rhetorical Strategies for Analyzing Texts

Alliteration

Repeating the same starting sound in nearby words. Makes writing sound catchy or fun. Example: 'Fast and furious.'

Assonance

Repeating vowel sounds in nearby words. Gives writing a smooth, musical rhythm. Example: 'He's a bruisin' loser.'

Consonance

Repeating consonant sounds in the middle or end of words. Ties words together and adds flow. Example: 'Cool soul.'

Onomatopoeia

A word that sounds like what it means. Makes writing sound alive and real. Example: 'Buzz, pop, sizzle.'

Rhyme

Words that end with the same sound. Makes poems fun and musical. Example: 'Cat / hat.'

Repetition

Using the same words or phrases more than once for effect. Makes ideas stronger. Example: 'I was glad; so very, very glad.'

Allusion

A quick reference to something famous (a book, movie, history, or myth). Helps connect the reader to other stories. Example: 'He was a real Romeo with the ladies.'

Juxtaposition

Putting opposite things side by side to show contrast. Helps show differences clearly. Example: 'Light and dark, rich and poor.'

Hyperbole

An extreme exaggeration. Used for humor or strong feeling. Example: 'I've told you a million times!'

Metaphor

A comparison saying one thing is another. Helps paint a vivid picture. Example: 'Her heart is gold.'

Simile

A comparison using 'like' or 'as.' Makes writing descriptive and colorful. Example: 'Her eyes shined like stars.'

Personification

Giving human traits to non-human things. Makes objects or ideas feel alive. Example: 'The wind whispered.'

Imagery

Words that create pictures in your mind using your senses. Helps you see, hear, smell, taste, or feel the story. Example: 'The warm, buttery popcorn smelled amazing.'

Symbol

An object that stands for something bigger. Adds hidden meaning to stories. Example: 'A heart = love.'

Irony

When the opposite of what's expected happens. Adds surprise or humor. Example: 'A fire station burns down.'

Tone

The author's attitude or feeling about the subject. Shows mood — funny, sad, serious, etc. Example: 'Her tone was hopeful.'

Mood

The feeling the reader gets from a story. Created by setting, tone, and word choice. Example: 'The dark house made me uneasy.'

Figurative Language

Words that don't mean exactly what they say (like similes or metaphors). Makes writing creative and interesting. Example: 'It's raining cats and dogs.'

Euphemism

A softer way to say something harsh. Makes something sound nicer. Example: 'She passed away' (instead of 'died').

Paradox

A statement that seems impossible but is true. Makes you think deeply. Example: 'Less is more.'

Oxymoron

Two opposite words used together. Creates a clever or funny effect. Example: 'Bittersweet, jumbo shrimp.'

Anaphora

Repeating the same word(s) at the start of sentences or lines. Adds rhythm and power. Example: 'I came, I saw, I conquered.'

Cacophony

Harsh, rough, or clashing sounds. Creates a sense of chaos. Example: 'Clash, bang, crunch!'

Euphony

Smooth, pleasant, musical sounds. Creates calmness or beauty. Example: 'The soft murmur of the sea.'

Rhetorical Question

A question asked to make a point, not to get an answer. Makes readers think. Example: 'Who wouldn't want to be happy?'