FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE: Poetic Devices English / Marshall

Literal language is when you mean exactly what you say. Figurative language is when you use words to create an image or suggest an idea; sometimes referred to as “figures of speech.”

ALLITERATION – when words are used in quick succession that begin with the same letter “The Wicked Witch of the West went on her way.” ASSONANCE – when vowels are repeated in words that are next to each other “For every sound that floats from the rust within their throats is a groan…” CONSONANCE – when consonant sounds are repeated in words that are next to each other “He tramped along the far brown winding road…”

SIMILE – a comparison or parallel of two things using the words “like” or “as” “It’s been a hard days’ night, and I’ve been working like a dog…” METAPHOR – when one thing/subject is directly compared to something else “All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players” ALLUSION – a reference to a subject matter such as a place, event, or literary work by way of a passing reference “He tells so many lies I am surprised his nose isn’t growing.”

PERSONIFICATION – attaching human traits and characteristics with inanimate objects, phenomena and animals “The raging winds…” HYPERBOLE – specific words or phrases that exaggerate and overemphasize something to make a point “I am so tired I cannot walk another inch.” ONOMATOPOEIA – words whose pronunciation is the actual sound or noise they represent (sound words)

PARADOX – a statement that is self contradictory because it often contains two statements that are both true, but in general, cannot both be true at the same time. “All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others…” OXYMORON – to create humor or additional meaning by using two contradictory terms together. “Act naturally” “Great Depression” “Jumbo Shrimp”

IRONY – the middle ground between was is said and what is meant. The three types you should know are… Situational Irony- when the outcome of a certain situation is completely different than what was initially expected. It is often referred to as an “irony of events.” Cosmic Irony - can be attributed to some sort of misfortune. Usually cosmic irony is the end result of fate or chance. Dramatic Irony - when there is miscommunication in a book, play or film and the audience is smarter than the characters.

SATIRE – the use of irony, sarcasm, or ridicule to expose or denounce a vice or folly (making fun of something with sarcasm) “A Modest Proposal”

IMAGERY – visually descriptive language that appeals to the senses. IDIOM – an expression that makes sense to certain groups of people, but is not mean to be taken literally “Don’t beat a dead horse.”