Literary Devices

Theme  The idea about life that is revealed in a work of literature.  The “moral”  A theme is not the same as the plot! Example: In the story, “Rikki Tikki Tavi,” one THEME might be: It is important to defend your home.

Atmosphere / Mood / Tone  The overall mood or emotion of a piece.  The atmosphere of a piece can usually be described with an adjective: “dreamy, happy, sad or nostalgic.” Example: The story “The Naming of Names” has a serious tone.

Alliteration -Repetition of the same or similar consonants in words that appear close together. Example: “Susie sells seashells by the seashore.”

A word that sounds like what it describes. Examples: pop, splash, gush Onomatopoeia

Simile A comparison between two unlike things, using the words “like” or “as.” Example: “The stars were like diamonds.”

Metaphor A comparison between two unlike things where one is said to be the other. Example: “My soul is an enchanted boat.”

Personification Something that is not human is given a human quality. Example: “The sun smiled down on the emerald green field.”

Hyperbole  Exaggerating to get your point across.  Stretching the truth to add humor for your audience. Example: “There was so much snow, it was a new ice age.”

Denotation The literal, dictionary definition of a word. Example: tiny = very small, diminutive

Connotation  The feelings and associations that a word suggests.  One’s personal definition of any word Example: tiny =