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What is a literary device? Literary devices refers to specific aspects of literature, in the sense of its universal function as an art form which expresses ideas through language, which we can recognize, identify, interpret and/or analyze. Literary devices enhance literature, poetry, music, television, and movies. Literary devices are very common and found in many day to day things. Next
What are some examples? Metaphor Simile Foreshadowing Alliteration Allusion Irony Mood Next
Metaphor A metaphor is a comparison between to like things. To compare the two things, verbs such as be and are will be used to make the comparison. A metaphor will not use words such as like or as in its comparison. Example: His eating habits resemble those of a pig. Next
Simile A simile is a comparison of two or more objects to draw attention to their similarities. In English, similes are typically marked by use of "like" or "as" or "than. Example: Billys big brother punches like a girl. Next
Foreshadowing Foreshadowing is a literary device in which an author drops subtle hints about plot developments to come later in the story. Example: In the movie Jaws, the director uses spooky music to alert when the shark is about to attack. The music is foreshadowing because it gives clues to the audience about what is going to occur.
Alliteration Alliteration is the repetition of a leading vowel or consonant sound in a phrase. Example: Jack jumped joyfully over the fence. The repetition of the j sound makes for alliteration of a consonant. Next
Quiz Question 1 The rain is so heavy it is like a hurricane. This statement is which of the following literary devices? A) Metaphor Metaphor B) Simile Simile C) Alliteration Alliteration
Correct Answer: B The correct answer is B. The phrase makes a comparison between two similar things using the word like. The usage of the word like constitutes a simile.
Quiz Question 2 The sun is a heat source. This statement is which of the following literary devices? A) Metaphor Metaphor B) Simile Simile C) Alliteration Alliteration
Correct Answer: A The correct answer is A. The statement is a comparison between two similar things; however, it does not use like or as in its comparison.
Quiz Question 3 Carry carefully carried her cat to the car. This statement is which of the following literary devices? Metaphor Simile Alliteration
Correct Answer: C The correct answer is C. The repeating of the C sounds indicates that alliteration has occurred, and it is a repeating consonant sound.