Figurative Language, Sound Devices, and Literary Devices VOCAB WEEK 1 Figurative Language, Sound Devices, and Literary Devices
Your Assignment In Class: For Homework: Copy down the definition for each device (#1-12) For Homework: Come up with 2 examples of each device (#1-12)
Figurative Language Writing or speech not meant to be interpreted literally Simile Metaphor Personification
1. Simile A comparison of two unlike things using like or as. You stink like rotten meat. He shot up like a rocket as he went for the basket.
2. Metaphor A direct comparison of two unlike things Life is a barren field. Hannah’s eyes are stars brightening the room.
3. Personification Giving non-human things human characteristics The moonlight danced along the water. The thunder clapped angrily in the distance.
Sound Devices Devices used by a poet to reflect a musical style Alliteration Assonance Onomatopoeia
4. Alliteration The repetition of initial consonant sounds Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled pepper. She sells seashells down by the seashore.
5. Assonance The repetition of vowel sounds Weak and weary Light the fire I must confess my quest Proud round clown
6. Onomatopoeia The use of words that imitate the sounds that they name Quack Thud Sizzle Hiss
Literary Devices a technique writers use to produce a certain effect Imagery Irony Symbolism Hyperbole Oxymoron Pun
7. Imagery words that create a mental picture that stimulate one of the five senses The children laughed as they ran along the beach, feet pounding the soft sand. The salty ocean breeze cooled their faces.
8. Irony when the meaning is opposite of what was intended We expect a tiger to be a dangerous beast stalking its prey, not a pet relaxing in a monk’s lap.
9. Symbolism using objects, people, or things to represent a greater idea A skull and crossbones represents danger. Pirates! Poison! Toxic smoke!
10. Hyperbole A gross exaggeration I would walk a thousand miles to see you. I’d catch a grenade for you.
11. Oxymoron A contradiction in terms Sound of silence Cruel to be kind Good girl gone bad Canyon Hills
12. Pun A humorous play on words that suggests two or more meanings; similar sounding words having different meanings. A horse is a very stable animal. Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana. An elephant’s opinion carries a lot of weight.