1. Symbolism, metaphor, personification, allegory

2. Symbolism Using an object or idea to represent another object or idea.
Examples:
Dove = peace
Rose = love
Black = death
Mirror = the self
Purpose
Symbolism gives a writer freedom to add double levels of meanings to his work: a literal one that is self-evident and the symbolic one whose meaning is far more profound than the literal one. The symbolism, therefore, gives universality to the characters and the themes of a piece of literature. Symbolism in literature evokes interest in readers as they find an opportunity to get an insight of the writer’s mind on how he views the world and how he thinks of common objects and actions, having broader implications.
Brainstorm

3. Metaphor
Figure of speech that makes a comparison between two objects or ideas
Examples:
Life is a box of chocolates = life is unpredictable
This room is a furnace = the room is hot
Brainstorm:
10 metaphors for life

4. Personification
Giving human traits or qualities to an inanimate object.
Example:
The clouds danced across the sky. (Clouds don’t dance)
Isn’t my car a beauty?
The wind whistled a familiar tune.
Purpose
Personification is not merely a decorative device but it serves the purpose of giving deeper meanings to literary texts. It adds vividness to expressions as we always look at the world from a human perspective. Writers and poets rely on personification to bring inanimate things to life, so that their nature and actions are understood in a better way. Because it is easier for us to relate to something that is human or that possesses human traits. Its use encourages us to develop a perspective that is new as well as creative.
Brainstorm: Write 5 examples.

5. Allegory
A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.
From Dictionary.com
Allegories use symbolism
Purpose:
Writers use allegory to add different layers of meanings to their works. Allegory makes their stories and characters multidimensional, so that they stand for something larger in meaning than what they literally stand for. Allegory allows writers to put forward their moral and political point of views. A careful study of an allegorical piece of writing can give us an insight into its writer’s mind as how he views the world and how he wishes the world to be.
Example:
Animal Farm
Chronicles of Narnia