Literary Devices
Alliteration:a stylistic device in which a number of words, having the same first consonant sound, occur close together in a series. Example: But a better butter makes a batter better. OR She sells seashells by the sea shore.
Allusion:a brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing or idea of historical, cultural, literary or political significance. It does not describe in detail the person or thing to which it refers. The writer expects the reader to possess enough knowledge to spot the allusion and grasp its importance in a text. Example: Chocolate is my Achilles’ heel.
Personification: a figure of speech in which a thing, an idea or an animal is given human attributes. The non-human objects are portrayed in such a way that we feel they have the ability to act like human beings. Example: The panther grinned as it closed in on its trembling prey.
Metaphor: a figure of speech which makes an implicit, implied or hidden comparison between two things that are unrelated but share some common characteristics. In other words, a resemblance of two contradictory or different objects is made based on a single or some common characteristics. Example: The night sky was on fire. OR My thoughts are an ocean.
Simile: a figure of speech that makes a comparison, showing similarities between two different things. Unlike a metaphor, a simile draws resemblance with the help of the words “like” or “as”. Therefore, it is a direct comparison. Example: I am like a tiger. OR He runs swiftly as a cheetah.
Imagery: means to use figurative language to represent objects, actions and ideas in such a way that it appeals to our physical senses. Example: The dark clouds hung low, billowing and twisting to obscure and snuff out the bright sun.
Assonance: takes place when two or more words close to one another repeat the same vowel sound but start with different consonant sounds. Example: Men sell the wedding bells.
Hyperbole:exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.Example: I am so hungry I could eat a whole elephant!
Onomatopoeia: imitates the natural sounds of a thing. It creates a sound effect that mimics the thing described, making the description more expressive and interesting. Example: “roar,” “tap,” “vroom,” and so on.
Symbolism: is the use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal sense. Example: A dove typically symbolizes peace.
Connotation: refers to a meaning that is implied by a word apart from the thing which it describes explicitly. Words carry cultural and emotional associations or meanings in addition to their literal meanings or denotations. Example: anger versus fury.
Denotation: is generally defined as literal or dictionary meanings of a word in contrast to its connotative or associated meanings. Example: Anger is a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility. Fury is wild or violent anger.
Diction:the choice of and use of words and phrases in speech or writing. The style, accent, inflection, and so on used by a speaker. Example: “It’s good to see you!” versus “What’s up!?”