Literary devices Year 8 English

What are literary devices? The typical structures used by writers in their works to convey his or her message(s) in a simple manner to his or her readers. 

Why use it? When used properly, the different literary devices help readers to appreciate, interpret and analyze a literary work. Skilled use of literary devices brings richness and clarity to a text. To make the story more interesting, fun to read and well developed.

List of common literary devices Allusion Simile Alliteration Pun Figurative language Personification Imagery Irony Assonance Onomatopoeia Metaphor Hyperbole Ask students how many they know (‘know’ meaning explain and provide examples). We aren’t going to look at all of these, just some.

figurative language Language that does not mean exactly what it says. Why use it? For the reader to gain new insights into the objects or subjects in the work. For example, I'm so hungry I could eat a horse. I’ve told you a million times to clean your room!

imagery The use of description that helps the reader imagine how something looks, sounds, feels, smells, or taste. For example, The young bird’s white, feathered wings flutter as he made his way across the nighttime sky.

metaphor A comparison that doesn’t use “like” or “as” => A = B For example: You are a couch potato. Time is money. He has a heart of stone. For each example, you might get students to guess what it means.

simile A comparison that uses “like” or “as” => A like B / A as B For example: Busy as a bee. They fought like cats and dogs. It was like watching grass grow. For each example, you might get students to guess what it means.

personification Giving inanimate object human characteristics. For example: Opportunity knocked on the door. The sky was full of dancing stars. The sun played hide and seek with the clouds.

Activity: “Firework” by Katy Perry Look at the lyrics and find examples of the following literary devices: Simile Personification Metaphor Worksheet to be followed after this activity.