What are literary devices? (Turn and Talk) Imagery Similes Metaphors Contrast Alliteration Personification Hyperbole Allusion …to name a few! There are many more!! Today, however, we will focus on the BASIC literary devices that author’s use to convey their message!

Literary Devices Notes Imagery – emphasis of a certain scene or detail by using descriptive language to appeal to the reader’s imagination or emotions ex. The violent storm tossed the long, spindly tree branches against the rickety window screen with whip-like force that produced a horrendous rattling clamor. Simile- comparison between 2 things, using “like” or “as” ex. My love for him is as deep as the ocean. In this example, what is the author comparing? Metaphor- a direct comparison between 2 things without using “like” or “as” ex. My love for him is an ocean, deep and endless.

Alliteration- 2 or more words in a sentence that start with the same letter (consonants only) ex. The screeching shout silenced the usually surly students. In the example, what letter do you really hear? Personification- Giving life-like qualities to non-living things. ex. The wind shoved me out the door. In the example, what is the wind really doing? Can wind actually shove somebody?

Contrast – placing two images, descriptions, characters, or actions close together in order to emphasize their differences or extremes ex. Ralph and Jack’s different camps/tribes in LOTF; the grey and drab colors of Equality’s house vs the more calming colors of the outdoors

Hyperbole (hi-per-bowly)- over exaggerating something to make a point. ex. I told you a thousand times to listen! Did I really tell you a thousand times? What point am I trying to make? Allusion- when a story makes a reference to an outside event or text (history, bible, artwork, mythology, etc.) Who is Zeus? Why is this an allusion?

How can I remember them?? Now that we KNOW some of them, the next step to solidify them in our memory is to IDENTIFY them! Authors use literary devices to help express the message of their piece, the same way directors use lighting, angles, and special effects in movies. “Harrison Bergeron” is rich with literary devices! These literary devices will help lead us to proving a possible theme! In order to help us prove the theme of the piece, we will have a Literary Device Scavenger Hunt!

Literary Device Scavenger Hunt Device: -Imagery -Simile -Alliteration -Personification -Metaphor -Contrast -Allusion -Hyperbole Points: 1 pt. for each 2 pts. for each 3 pts. for each You have 15 minutes! You will work with a partner! Whoever gets the MOST legitimate points (your answers MUST be correct) will win a small prize! Good Luck! 

2081 vs “Harrison Bergeron” Differences from the text Similarities to the text Supported/Possible Theme