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.