Literary Devices

Onomatopoeia Onomatopoeia is defined as a word, which imitates the natural sounds of a thing. Examples: Boom, Buzz, Crack

Personification It gives a thing, an idea or an animal human qualities. The flowers are dancing beside the lake. Have you see my new car? She is a real beauty!

Simile A simile is a figure of speech that makes a comparison, showing similarities between two different things using “like” or “as.”

Metaphor A figure of speech which makes an implicit, implied or hidden comparison between two things or objects that are opposites but have some characteristics common between them.

Hyperbole It is deliberate exaggeration of actions and ideas for the sake of emphasis. Your bag weighs a ton! I have got a million issues to look after!

Apostrophe In literature, apostrophe is a figure of speech sometimes represented by exclamation “O.”

Alliteration It refers to the same consonant sounds in words coming together. Better butter always makes the batter better. She sells seashells at seashore.

Anaphora In writing or speech, the deliberate repetition of the first part of the sentence in order to achieve an artistic effect is known as Anaphora.

Palindrome The term palindrome is derived from two Greek words “palin” means again and “dromos” means way or direction. It is defined as a number, a word, a sentence, a symbol or even signs that can be read forward as well as backward or in reserve order with the same effects and meanings.

Oxymoron Oxymoron, plural oxymora, is a figure of speech in which two opposite ideas are joined to create an effect. e.g. “cruel kindness” or “living death.”

Assonance When two or more words close to one another repeat the same vowel sound but start with different consonant sounds. Men sell the wedding bells.

Cliché Cliché refers to an expression that has been overused to the extent that it loses its original meaning or novelty. A cliché may also refer to actions and events which are predictable because of some previous events.

Paradox The term Paradox is from the Greek word “paradoxon” that means contrary to expectations, existing belief or perceived opinion. It is a statement that appears to be self-contradictory or silly but may include a latent truth. It is also used to illustrate an opinion or statement contrary to accepted traditional ideas.

Imagery The use of figurative language to create visual representations of actions, objects and ideas in our mind in such a way that they appeal to our physical senses. The room was dark and gloomy.  The river was roaring in the mountains. 

Allusion Allusion is a brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing or idea of historical, cultural, literary or political significance.

Epistrophe Repetition of a word or expression at the end of successive phrases, clauses, sentences, or verses especially for rhetorical or poetic effect. Ex: Lincoln's “of the people, by the people, for the people”