LIterary devices

metaphor

figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things by stating that one is the other, without using "like" or "as" - “The classroom is a zoo“

alliteration

the repetition of the same sound at the beginning of closely placed words - “Sally sells sea shells by the sea shore“

literal imagery

he use of descriptive language that appeals to the five senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch) to create a direct and realistic image without using metaphors or similes - “"The cold winter breeze brushed against his cheeks"“

verbal irony 

when a speaker says something but intentionally means the opposite of the literal words they use - “"Oh, great!" after spilling coffee on oneself on the way to an important meeting.“

euphony

the quality of having a pleasing, harmonious, and agreeable sound, especially in words - "slow and steady"

paradox

a statement or situation that seems to contradict itself but may actually hold a deeper truth - “This sentence is false“ or “I am lying“

simile

a figure of speech that directly compares two different things using the words "like" or "as" - “I am as fast as a cheetah“

repetition

the act of doing or saying something again and again to empathize it - "Hand in hand"

motif

a repeated pattern—like an object or idea that recurs throughout a text, such as a story, song, or design - “Shattered glass: Can be used in thrillers to foreshadow or reflect a character's sadness.”

clasical allusion

a brief, indirect reference to something from ancient Greek or Roman history, literature, or mythology to add deeper meaning to a text - “The labyrinth: A metaphor for a complex, confusing, and difficult situation that is hard to navigate. “

apostrophe

when a speaker addresses someone or something that is not present, cannot respond, or is an inanimate object or abstract idea

oxymoron

a figure of speech that combines two contradictory words to create a new phrase - “deafening silence“

cacophony

a harsh, unpleasant mixture of loud sounds - “from a traffic accident, including blaring horns, screeching tires, and people yelling“

hyperbole

an obvious and intentional exaggeration for emphasis or effect, not meant to be taken literally - “I told you a million times“

symbol

a mark, object, or idea that represents something else, often an abstract concept or quality - “a dove for peace“

personification

giving human qualities or abilities to non-human things like animals, objects, or ideas. - “The sun smiled“

assonance

the repetition of similar vowel sounds in nearby words, creating a musical or rhythmic effect without the words necessarily rhyming - “I love it when it rains in spain“

Topical allusion

brief and indirect reference to a person, place, event, or work of art that is topical or current, and which the author assumes the reader will recognize- “the next LeBron”