Literary Devices

The comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, typically using the words like or as, used to make a description more emphatic or vivid

• Metaphor

• Simile

• Allusion

• Allegory

The comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, typically using the words like or as, used to make a description more emphatic or vivid

• Metaphor

• Simile

• Allusion

• Allegory

A figure of speech that is used to make a comparison between two things that aren't alike but do have something in common; does not use the words "like" or "as"

• Simile

• Personification

• Imagery

• Metaphor

The attribution of a personal nature or human characteristics to something nonhuman, or the representation of an abstract quality in human form.

• Irony

• Hyperbole

• Personification

• Alliteration

The occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.

• Allusion

• Allegory

• Alliteration

• Assonance

Represents objects, actions, and ideas in such a way that it appeals to our physical senses.

• Personification

• Simile

• Onomatopoeia

• Imagery

The naming of a thing or action by a vocal imitation of the sound associated with it

• Onomatopoeia

• Allusion

• Hyperbole

• Metaphor

Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally

• Simile

• Imagery

• Hyperbole

• Onomatopoeia

Literary technique in which what appears, on the surface, to be the case, differs radically from what is actually the case

• Metaphor

• Alliteration

• Irony

• Hyperbole

An expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly; an indirect or passing reference.

• Irony

• Allusion

• Metaphor

• Simile