Poetic Devices by: Alecia Carmichael 8 th Grade Language Arts Teacher Carbon Hill Junior High Carbon Hill, AL 35549

Simile A simile is a comparison of two unlike things using the words “is like” or “as.” “Stars” They are like flashlights in the night sky; God’s little helpers guiding us on our journeys. Stars are as bright as a lighthouse on an icy, ocean night; they are like guardians committed to bringing you home. The words in black are examples of similes

Metaphor A metaphor is a comparison of two unlike things in which one thing is directly stated as being the other Examples: techniques/5453.html MetaphorsThroughPoetryMargaretAtwood'sYouBegin.pdf

Alliteration Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds in lines of poetry. Examples : ples.html

Assonance Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds in lines of poetry. C:\Users\Alecia\Documents\Annabel Lee.doc

Imagery Using any of the senses to paint a mental picture with words. Robert Frost is known for his use of imagery in his poetry. Imagery

Onomatopoeia A word that sounds like what it describes. Example: The crackle of fire struck a cord of fear in our hearts.

Personification Giving any nonhuman object or animal a human characteristic This is the first stanza of William Wordsworth’s poem “Daffodils” I wandered lonely as a cloud That floats on high o'er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host, of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze. The daffodils are personified by being in a a crowd and dancing like people do.

Allusion Allusion is a reference to another well known written work, movie, song, painting, or poem. The song “Stealing Cinderella” by Chuck Wicks includes an allusion. The singer refers to the woman he loves as Cinderella and he is Prince Charming

Symbol An object that represents something else Mountains and storms represent problems. What do the symbols below represent?

Hyperbole Hyperbole is an exaggeration. Example: I will love you until the ocean runs dry.