Literary Devices

1. Literary Devices

2. Figurative Language A way of using words to make imaginative connections in the reader's "inner eye." These connections can be called images

3. Alliteration: the repetitionof usually initial consonant sound in two or more neighboring words The Wicked Witch of the West went her own way. (The ‘W’ sound is highlighted and repeated throughout the sentence.)

4. Idiom: Not in your notes, but you need to add it somewhere in your notes. This WILL be on the test. • Idiom: A saying that does not make literal, logical or grammatical sense. People within the culture do understand the meaning. • Example: Don’t let the cat out of the bag. Meaning: Don’t tell anyone the surprise. • Example: It’s raining cats and dogs. Meaning: It is raining really hard.

5. Hyperbole: an exaggerationor figure of speech not intended to be taken literally.

6. Personification: Giving life-like characteristics or qualities to inanimate objects. “The raging winds” “The wise owl” “The fire flames danced on the wall”

7. Simile: A comparison using “like” or “as” NOT a description using “like” or “as” “He is like a mouse in front of the teacher”.

8. Metaphor: A comparison. (something IS something else) NOT a just a description “Henry was a lion on the battlefield”. This sentence suggests that Henry fought so valiantly and bravely that he embodied all the personality traits we attribute to the ferocious animal. This sentence implies immediately that Henry was courageous and fearless, much like the King of the Jungle.

9. The difference between Simile and Metaphor A simile compares two things using the word like or as. Simile: My father grumbles like a bear in the mornings. A metaphor also compares two things, but it does not use the word like or as. Metaphor: My father is a bear in the mornings.

10. Sensory Description: Using the 5 senses to describe something in great detail. (taste, touch, smell, sight, sound)