Poetry Literary Devices

1. Poetry Literary Devices

2. Tone • The attitude a writer takes toward his or her subject. • It was a dark and stormy night.

3. Simile • The comparison of two unlike things, using “like” or “as” • I was so happy my heavy backpack felt as light as a feather.

4. Metaphor • A comparison of two unlike objects without the use of “like” or “as” • Her gloomy attitude reminded me of thorns on a rose.

5. Personification • A figure of speech in which an animal, object or idea is given human characteristics/personality traits • The tree glowered over us.

6. Symbol • An object, person, place or action that stands for something larger than itself • Rose = Love • Dove = Peace • Butterflies = Mirabel sisters

7. Denotation • The literal (dictionary) definition of the word • Home and House are defined as shelters for human beings

8. Connotation • The emotion or association that a word or phrase may have. • House is a colder word – more technical • Home is a cozy word – gives us warm fuzzy feelings about our family

9. Alliteration • The repetition of similar consonant sounds in a group of words, usually at the beginning of words • Suzie sells seashells by the seashore.

10. Consonance • Repetition of consonants close together – usually at the end of words. • He held a broad view of the world.

11. Assonance • The repetition of similar vowel sounds • Stu the cockatoo is new at the zoo. • Note that the vowel sound is what is important – it does not have to be the same vowel.

12. Onomatopoeia • A word that imitates a sound • Bang, Meow, Woof

13. Hyperbole • Over exaggeration • Hyperbole is the best thing ever! • I’m as hungry as a horse!

14. Imagery • Language that appeals to any sense or senses