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Figurative Language & Literary Devices
Figurative language – words
are used in an imaginative
way to express ideas that are
not literally true.
Click here to explore examples of
Figurative Language & Literary Devices.
metaphor
Simile
Allusion
Personification
Onomatopoeia
idiom
hyperbole
alliteration
oxymoron
pun
Symbolism
assonance
imagery
irony
Simile
A comparison of two unlike things using the words “like” or “as.”
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Metaphors
be
with you.
Metaphor
A comparison of two relatively unlike things usually using a form of “be” – not “like” or “as”
"As the cave's roof collapsed, he was swallowed
up in the dust like Jonah, and only his frantic
scrabbling behind a wall of rock indicated that
there was anyone still alive".
"Christy didn't like to spend money. She
was no Scrooge, but she seldom purchased
anything except the bare necessities".
Allusion
A reference made to a person, place, or thing, in mythology, literature, or history.
The sun smiled
down on us at is
traveled
throughout the
day.
The tree
danced in
the breeze.
Personification
Giving human qualities to non-human objects
Onomatopoeia
Using words that mimic sounds
My feet are killing me!
I have a splitting headache!
I’m so hungry I could
eat a horse!
Hyperbole
An exaggerated statement used for effect
It’s
raining
cats and
dogs.
Let the cat out of the bag.
Put your money where your mouth is.
You are the apple of my eye.
Idiom
An expression in which the meaning is not predictable simply from the words it contains
Alliteration
Repeated consonant sounds at the beginning of words
Why is 6 afraid of 7?
Because 7 8 9.
Pun
A play on words
Oxymoron
Expression that combines two opposing ideas
Common Symbols in Literature
dove: peace
ice: death
spring: youth, birth, life
water: birth, rebirth
winter: death, dying, old age
eagle: freedom, liberty, strength
skull: death
rose: love, beauty
crown: wealth, royalty
wedding ring: love, commitment
cross bones: death, danger
sunrise: new start, beginning
full moon: danger, weirdness
autumn: middle age, maturity
Symbolism
One objects stands for something else
It was a sweet treat for the athlete to meet,
greet, and defeat her opponent.
Assonance
Having alike sounds in the middle of words
Imagery
Language that appeals to the senses: sight, smell, touch, taste, or hear
Irony
Conveying the opposite of the expected or implied meaning