LITERARY DEVICES
ALLITERATION
• The repetition of a beginning consonant sound
within a phrase or sentence.
• Sally sells sea shells by the sea shore
ASSONANCE
• The repetition of identical or similar vowel sounds
found within or at the end of words and phrases.
• “The fellow called her mellow yellow”
• “Hear the mellow wedding bells”
CONSONANCE
• The repetition of consonant words within or at the
end of words in a phrase or sentence.
• Betty bought a bit of bitter butter.
ALLUSION
• A direct or indirect reference to a significant person,
event, time, or work of literature.
• Chocolate was her Achilles heel.
ANALOGY
• To compare similar concepts, characters, or works
of literature so the reader better understands a
difficult idea.
• “I feel like a fish out of water”
CLICHÉ
• An expression that has been used so often that it’s
meaning and impact are no longer effective.
• Time will tell
• There is no place like home
CONNOTATION
• The suggested meaning of a word or a phrase
• Childlike has a youthful, naïve positive connotation,
while Childish has a negative scornful connotation.
Both words are used to describe someone’s
immaturity.
DIALOGUE
• The representation of conversation within a literary
work
• “Hey, how are you?” asked Jane to which Joe
replied “I’m doing great, thanks!”
EUPHEMISM
• A polite word or phrase used in place of an
offensive or crude word or phrase
• She’s pushing up daisies
• He’s feeling under the weather
HYPERBOLE
• Using exaggeration to provoke strong emotion,
create humor, or make a point.
• I’ve told you a million times to clean your room!
• I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.
IDIOM
• An expression that is clear only to those who are
familiar with the language of it’s origin; cannot be
understood based on a literal meaning.
• It’s raining cats and dogs
• My little finger told me/ A little birdie told me
IMAGERY
• The use of figurative language to paint a picture for
the reader.
• “On a starry winter night in Portugal…”
IRONY
• What results when the actual outcome differs from
what is expected.
• A traffic cop is suspended because of unpaid
parking tickets.
METAPHOR
• To compare similar things or ideas without using the
words “like” or “as”
• She was fairly certain that life was a fashion show.
ONOMATOPOEIA
• A word or words that sound like the action or thing
they describe or represent.
• The slick snake slithered through the sand.
OXYMORON
• To combine two words or contrasting meanings to
convey a single idea or thought.
• Jumbo Shrimp
• Pretty ugly
PERSONIFICATION
• To attribute human characteristics to inanimate
objects, natural forces, or ideas.
• Smiling moon
• Vengeful ocean
PUN
• The use of similar or identical sounding words to
create an alternate meaning to the sentence in
which they are used.
• Puns can be really punny
• I'm glad I know sign language, it's pretty handy.
SYMBOL
• A thing, person, or place that is present as a
representation of a larger meaning
• Colors
• Objects
THEME
• An abstract idea or ideas that dominate a literary
work.
• Annabel Lee- Young love never dies.