Literary Devices

Metaphor

figure of speech that makes a comparison between two seemingly unlike things

Simile

a figure of speech that uses like or as to compare seemingly unlike things

Personification

a figure of speech in which an animal, object, a force of nature, or an idea is given human characteristics.

imagery

descriptive language that speaks to one or more of the 5 senses (sight, smell, taste, touch, sound)

Hyperbole

a figure of speech that uses exaggeration to express strong emotion, make a point, or evoke humor

allusion

a reference to a well-known character, place, or situation from history, music, art, or another work of literature

alliteration

the repetition of constant sounds, generally at the beginning of words

onomatopoeia

the use of a word or phrase that imitates or suggests the sound of what it describes

anaphora

repetition of a word or phrase

symbol

any person, animal, place, object, or event that exists on a literal level within a work but also represents something on a figurative level

Motif

a significant word, phrase, image, description, idea, or other element that is repeated throughout a literary work and is related to the theme.

irony

the contrast between appearance and reality

Situational Irony

the outcome is something other than what is anticipated

Verbal Irony

stating something other than the literal meaning

Dramatic Irony

the contrast between what the characters know and what the reader knows

Theme

the moral or lesson taught throughout the story

Tone

the author's attitude toward the material

Diction

word choice

Denotation

the dictionary definition of a word; the literal meaning

Connotation

the associations connected to a word; the figurative meaning

Theme- example

It is better to try your hardest than to live with the regrets of inaction.

hyperbole- example

I hope my mom doesn't kill me when she finds out.

onomatopoeia- example

buzz

Symbol-example

Cross

Verbal Irony- example

Of course I don't mind that you lowered my pay.

Dramatic Irony- example

The reader knows the killer is in the shed, the characters in the story don't.

Personification- example

The trees danced in the breeze.

Alliteration- example

from forth the fatal loins

Simile-example

She was as beautiful as Aphrodite.

Allusion- example

He had Herculean strength.

Metaphor-example

Time is money.

Anaphora- example

She breathed in and out, in and out, to steady her nervous for the big test.

Situational Irony- Example

The princess walks out of the castle as the prince arrives to save her.