Alliteration
Allusion
Irony
Simile:
Metaphor
Personification
Assonance
Foreshadowing
Hyperbole
Imagery
LIST #1 OF LITERARY DEVICES
Repetition of the same consonant sound, preferably in three or more consecutive words.
Example: Sally sells seashells by the seashore.
A historical reference.
Example
: When one says, “Et tu, Brutus?” as a sign of betrayal, one is alluding to the story of Brutus’ betrayal of
Julius Caesar.
Repetition of the same vowel sound, preferably in three or more consecutive words.
Example: Elegant elephants elevate themselves well.
Gives clues as to something that is yet to happen.
Example: When the man came home from work, he heard a loud, grumbling noise coming from his basement.
Extreme exaggeration.
Example: The man was so fat that he blotted out the sun.
Other examples: Mom jokes and teenagers.
Creates a vivid picture in one’s mind.
Example: The tear rolled down his cheek, mixed with the bright red blood on his lip, fell off his chin, and landed in the middle of his crisp, white shirt.
Deals with opposites, specifically when one thing mocks something else. There are numerous forms and definitions of irony; this is the easiest way for you to remember.
Example: An old man won the lottery, [but] died the next day.
Comparing two different things NOT using “like” or “as.”
Example: The lineman was a monster during the football game, as he sacked the quarterback three times and returned an interception for a touchdown.
Giving human or living characteristics to non-living things.
Example: The storm picked up the boat and threw it towards the shoreline.
Comparing two different things using “like” or “as.”
Example: After standing outside during the snowstorm, he was as cold as ice.