Literary Devices
Figurative Language A way of using words to make imaginative connections in the reader's "inner eye." These connections can be called images
The Wicked Witch of the West went her own way. Alliteration: the repetition of usually initial consonant sound in two or more neighboring words The Wicked Witch of the West went her own way. (The ‘W’ sound is highlighted and repeated throughout the sentence.)
Idiom: Idiom: A saying that does not make literal, logical or grammatical sense. People within the culture do understand the meaning. Example: Don’t let the cat out of the bag. Meaning: Don’t tell anyone the surprise. Example: It’s raining cats and dogs. Meaning: It is raining really hard.
Hyperbole: an exaggeration or figure of speech not intended to be taken literally. “I thought my head was going to explode, my headache was so intense.” “I laughed so hard to I thought my side would split.”
Personification: Giving life-like characteristics or qualities to inanimate objects. “The raging winds” “The wise owl” “The fire flames danced on the wall”
Simile: A comparison using “like” or “as” NOT a description using “like” or “as” “He is like a mouse in front of the teacher”.
Metaphor: A comparison Metaphor: A comparison. (something IS something else) NOT just a description “Henry was a lion on the battlefield”. This sentence suggests that Henry fought so valiantly and bravely that he embodied all the personality traits we attribute to the ferocious animal. This sentence implies immediately that Henry was courageous and fearless, much like the King of the Jungle.
The difference between Simile and Metaphor A simile compares two things using the word like or as. Simile: My father grumbles like a bear in the mornings. A metaphor also compares two things, but it does not use the word like or as. Metaphor: My father is a bear in the mornings.
Symbolism Using “something” to represent something else. Example: A crown represents royalty. Example: A seal represents a person of power. Example: The heart represents love and admiration.
Sensory Description: Using the 5 senses to describe something in great detail. (taste, touch, smell, sight, sound) Senses Touch Taste Sound Sight Smell